Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Museum Siam
- Where is Museum Siam?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Museum Siam
- What to See and Do in Museum Siam
- Admire Museum Siam’s architecture
- Work out what it means to be Thai with Museum Siam’s permanent exhibition
- Watch out for any temporary exhibitions or activities
- Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at the museum’s small park
- Hit the books at the museum’s Knowledge Center
- Check out the underground museum
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Museum Siam
- Move Coffee
- Siam Origins
- Horsamut
- Where to Shop in and Near Museum Siam
- Muse Shop by Museum Siam
- Yodpiman Flower Market
- The Old Siam Plaza
- Where to Stay in and Near Museum Siam
- Chakrabongse Villas
- Riva Arun Bangkok
- Ralph Bangkok Hostel
- FAQs about Museum Siam
Museum Chai is an avante-garde learning center right in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. It’s a unique museum that focuses on traditional presentations and modern technology to promote its play and learn philosophy.
This museum is also known for its revival-style neoclassical architecture featuring elegant Baroque designs and teakwood motifs. And with a dedicated MRT station connected to it, Museum Siam is highly accessible even to first-timers in the capital.
It’s certainly an easy choice for tourists who wants to learn more about Thailand. Best of all, it’s an experience of a lifetime.
Where is Museum Siam?
Museum Siam is at the south end of Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. It’s bounded by Sanam Chai Road in the east, Setthakan Alley in the north, and Tha Suphan Alley in the west.
Things to Know
Phone: +66 2 225 2777
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Admission Costs:
- 100 baht (Single entry)
- 50 baht (Group with more than 20 people)
How to Get to Museum Siam
MRT train: The best way to get to Museum Siam is to catch an MRT train to Sanam Chai station. This station is on the Blue Line between the Hua Lamphung and Isaraphap stations.
Sanam Chai station is directly connected to Museum Siam via Exit 1.
Bus: A cheap option is to board a city bus that can drop you off at Museum Siam’s bus stop along Sanam Chai Road. Download and use the Moovit or ViaBus app to track the available buses near your location in Bangkok.
Your options are buses that follow these routes:
- 3, 6, 9, 12, 32
- 44, 47, 53, 82, 524
Taxi: You can also get to Museum Siam from anywhere in Bangkok by booking a taxi using the Grab or Bolt app. This option is more expensive but convenient because your driver can pick you up from your hotel.
What to See and Do in Museum Siam
Admire Museum Siam’s architecture
Media from museumsiam
A tour of Museum Siam won’t be complete without admiring its striking neoclassical architecture. This building is mostly attributed to architect Mario Tamagno but his fellow Italians Guadrelli, Vittorio Novi, and E.G Gollo were also involved in its construction.
It has a three-floor design which represents hierarchy. It served as the Ministry of Commerce building with its ground floor as a general office, the second as the minister and director’s office, and the third floor as the executive’s office.
The original architecture is conserved, including its iconic double columns with round Tuscan-style, round Ionic Scamozzi, and square Baroque-style designs. It also has a composite staircase made from teakwood and a molded roof with red kite tiles.
Work out what it means to be Thai with Museum Siam’s permanent exhibition
Media credit: museumsiam
Museum Siam’s main draw is a permanent exhibition called “Decoding Thainess.” With its 14 exhibition rooms, this attraction takes visitors on a journey to discover what it means to be Thai and how this perspective developed over time.
These exhibits use traditional presentations and mixed-media technologies to showcase numerous aspects of Thainess, from history to architecture, cuisine, clothing, and more.
One of its most notable exhibits is the “living kitchen.” There, you’ll find numerous hanging plates that can be placed on a table to create a light show featuring the plate’s assigned Thai dish and key information like its ingredients and origin.
Watch out for any temporary exhibitions or activities
Media from museumsiam
Aside from its main exhibition, Museum Siam has temporary exhibitions for timely topics, international art, fashion, foreign countries, etc. In fact, the museum’s last temporary exhibition which ended in June 2024 was about Italian mosaic art.
They also have an annual rotating exhibition for boxing and Muay Thai. This exhibit is a great way to learn about the history of Thai martial arts or the standard Muay Thai fighter’s diet, training regimen, and more.
Sometimes, there will be a book fair, coffee festival, or music festival.
Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at the museum’s small park
Media from museumsiam
The small park in Museum Siam is great when you need a breather after seeing the exhibitions. This part of the museum has a green grass field, trees, and artsy outdoor statues.
You can also find public benches to sit down and admire the museum building. We recommend hanging out here during the afternoon to avoid the midday sun and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Hit the books at the museum’s Knowledge Center
Media from museumsiam
The Knowledge Center in Museum Siam is a specialized library. It’s a learning space filled with numerous books about history, art, literature, science, and more.
Its book collection includes printed works from the Museum of Siam Publication, so it’s great for tourists who want to read about past exhibitions. They also have educational documentaries and e-books of rare Thai literature and history books.
Reading inside the library is free but you must be a member if you like to borrow a book.
Check out the underground museum
Media from museumsiam
This underground museum is on the unique side. Not only is it outside Museum Siam’s main building but it’s tucked away under the Sanam Chai MRT station so it’s the first place you’ll see if you travel to the museum by train.
Still, it’s directly connected to the museum and it’s also one of its numerous exhibits. It boasts a prestigious Rattanakosin Era-inspired hall and 3 exhibition zones.
These zones feature the history of the Bangkok Fortress, the Rattanakosin-style palaces behind Wat Phra Chetuphon dig sites, and a model of an excavation site.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Museum Siam
Move Coffee
Media from houseofjuice_th
Address: 4 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Phone: +66 90 326 5510
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for coffee
Move Coffee is a convenient coffee kiosk in Museum Siam’s small park. It serves affordable hot and iced coffees, as well as non-caffeinated drinks.
Their milk caramel and passion fruit soda are must-tries! If you’re looking for a light sack, they have a small bread menu with pang thot, cheese sandwich, and hotdog.
Siam Origins
Media from siamoriginsbkk
Address: Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Phone: +66 65 939 7336
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours:
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday)
- 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food
Siam Origins is a Thai restaurant next to Museum Siam’s main building, so it’s a convenient food spot during your museum tour. They serve upscaled versions of popular Thai dishes, and their tom yum soup is a must-try!
They also have a dedicated vegan Thai menu that uses plant-based mock meat on classic Thai dishes, like northern-style hung lay curry, Thai pork basil, and more.
Horsamut
Media from horsamutbkk
Address: 8 Tha Kham Alley, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Phone: +66 95 852 2280
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food
Horsamut is a fancy restaurant 100 meters from the Museum Siam’s southern exit, so it’s convenient if you’re looking for tasty and convenient meals.
They’re also along the Chao Phraya River, so expect a stunning river view from its open-air dining area. The unobstructed view of Wat Arun is also a massive plus!
Their menu mostly features contemporary Thai dishes, but a notable rare find here is the Ranjuan curry.
Where to Shop in and Near Museum Siam
Muse Shop by Museum Siam
Media from museumsiam
Address: Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Phone: +66 2 225 2777
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for souvenirs
Muse Shop is a gift shop inside Museum Siam. It sells a wide range of souvenir items, from stamp sets to sticker sets, notebook covers, and more.
The shop’s best-selling item is the Decoding Thainess book. It’s a great gift for family and friends back home who want to experience the museum’s main exhibition as well.
Yodpiman Flower Market
Media credit: chlhyh
Address: 396/1 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Phone: +66 2 623 6851
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 24 Hours (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for flower lovers
Yodpiman Flower Market is a local shopping haunt near Museum Siam. It’s a massive bustling market divided into two zones: flowers and produce.
This market is best known for its flower zone, which is packed with local vendors selling numerous floral items, like garlands, flower incense, and more.
Meanwhile, the second zone is ideal if you want to try a wide range of tropical fruits. You can also get discounted prices if you buy in bulk!
The Old Siam Plaza
Media from theoldsiamplaza_
Address: 12 Tri Phet Road, Wang Burapha Phirom
Phone: +66 2 226 0156
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
The Old Siam Plaza is a large shopping mall that’s a four-minute drive from Museum Siam.
It’s filled with stalls and boutique shops selling a broad range of products, like clothes, food, and more. It’s particularly known for its luxury watch stores like Rolex, Corum, and Cartier.
Where to Stay in and Near Museum Siam
Chakrabongse Villas
Media from chakrabongsevillas
Address: Wang, 396/1 Phra Barom Tha Suphan Alley
Phone: +66 2 222 1290
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
The luxurious Chakrabongse Villas is across the street from Museum Siam’s southern exit point. Here, you can stay in a uniquely designed swanky villa with teak-paneled walls, four-poster beds, terraces, and mini-fridges.
This hotel also provides loaner bikes for guests who want to explore the neighborhood. They also have rental canoes that you can use in the Chao Phraya River and in-room massage services for deep relaxation.
Riva Arun Bangkok
Media from rivaarunbangkok
Address: 392, 25-28 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Phone: +66 99 124 1188
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples
Riva Arun Bangkok is a stylish riverside hotel near Museum Siam. It has airy rooms with minimalist interiors and modern amenities, plus high-speed WiFi.
You can also opt for an upgraded room or suite if you want a better river and temple view or access to outdoor whirlpool tubs. However, the hotel’s best feature is its rooftop which offers a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s skyline.
This rooftop also has a refined restaurant, so you can enjoy a fine meal while soaking in the stunning city view.
Ralph Bangkok Hostel
Media credit: paul_lin
Address: 109 Tha Tian Aly, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Phone: +66 80 615 2665
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for backpackers
Ralph Bangkok Hostel is a solid mid-range hotel that’s a three-minute drive from Museum Siam. It’s also within walking distance from Wat Pho and The Grand Palace!
The private rooms here are unpretentious, with all the essential amenities. You can also opt for their same-sex dorm rooms if you don’t mind sharing a space with other guests.
This hotel also has communal amenities, from a lounge to a kitchen and a rooftop with a stunning view of Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
