SeeRattanakosin

National Gallery

พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ หอศิลป

Housed in the former Royal Thai Mint, it is fairly small and compact. Obviously a matter of taste, the permanent displays could be described as quite unimpressive, but the ever-changing modern art exhibitions can be considerably more appealing for foreigners. Oil paintings by the King are also exhibited here.

museum

Address: Chao Fa Rd
Getting there: Phra Arthit Pier
Hours: Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00, hols closed
Price: 30 baht

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Bangkok/Rattanakosin, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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SeeRattanakosin
Monument to the Expeditionary Force
อนุสาวรีย์ทหารอาสา
This is a monument to the Thai expeditionary force that fought in European battlefields during World War I. After war broke out in 1914, Thailand had remained neutral for about three years. When the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917, King Rama VI still waited on the sidelines. Thailand had good relations with Germany, although eventually King Rama VI joined the Allies by declaring war on Germany and sent a militia of 1,284 volunteers to Europe on 20 June 1918. King Rama IV said that joining the Allies "would be an excellent opportunity for us to gain equality with other nations". Thailand had lost land to France and the United Kingdom and had to accept the imposition of extraterritorial rights for the citizens of these nations. By joining the war with the Allies, he hoped that they would be more flexible in amending those treaties in future. The expeditionary force returned to Thailand on 21 September 1919 and the ashes of the dead veterans were taken to be enshrined here three days later. The names of 19 soldiers killed in the Western Front have been inscribed.
Free
DoRattanakosin
National Theatre
โรงละครแห่งชาติ
You might want to attend the National Theatre, where you can watch a classical performance or traditional dance (such as a khon dance). Don't expect an English language production though, as most shows are set up for the locals. Don't forget to get your hand on the programme first, as it will give a synopsis of what the play is about. Also stand up when the national anthem begins.
50-200 baht
SeeRattanakosin
National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พระนคร
The National Museum took over the Front Palace grounds, a former royal palace built in the 18th century just like the Grand Palace. The grounds are attractive in parts, but a bit sprawling and difficult to navigate. The permanent exhibits are a mixed bag — there are some terrific new displays and dioramas on Thai history, but many other buildings are dusty collections of artifacts without much by way of explanation. A good way to cope with this is by taking the free guided tour in English (and German, French, Japanese), held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 09:30. Allow a full afternoon to see this one as it is fairly large.
Wed-Sun 08:30-16:00, hols closedThais 30 baht; foreigners 200 baht
EatKhao San Road
Ranee's
ร้านอาหาร ราณี
Hidden among spas and small bars and restaurants down an alley that runs parallel to Khao San Road, this Italian restaurant offers the usual pizzas and pastas, though you will be better served making a selection from the Thai dishes. The curries are delicious (but don't be surprised to find that the jungle curry is made on a watery base and not on a coconut base like other curries — this is normal for jungle curry). Serving sizes are sufficient but not large. Free Wi-Fi.
07:00-00:00 daily150 baht