Museum Siam

4 Sanamchai Rd., 02-225-2777. www.museumsiam.com. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. Admission: B100 for Thai residents and B300 for tourists.

This completely restored colonial-style building is now an innovative, technology-driven museum that takes you on a journey through the history of Siam via an array of multimedia presentations and interactive panels. Through Jun 29, the museum is running an exhibition titled “Beyond Silk”, showcasing the benefits of cocoons and various products made from cocoon fiber including silk.

Siriraj Medical Museum

2 Prannok Road, Bangkok Noi, www.si.mahidol.ac.th/museums. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed on Tuesdays and public holidays.  

Situated next door to Siriraj Hospital, the medical museum is where you can learn about Thailand’s medical history, human bodies and health through medical findings over decades. The Siriraj Pimuksathan building gives you an insight into what life used to be like for those communities living on and next to the canals and rivers of Bangkok with an exhibition featuring a life-size replica of an old warehouse called Nivas Sirinawet, set in a retro ambience by the Bangkok Noi cannel.

Vimanmek 

Ratchawithi Rd., 02-628-6300/-9. www.vimanmek.com. Open daily 9:30am-4pm.

Admission: B100 for foreigners, B75 for Thais, B20 for monks and students

With 12 separate museums in Vimanmek Palace, you are sure to spend a whole day here. The compound houses the royal museums of photography, textiles and silk, clocks, and many other topics. The old black and white pictures of the royal family are particularly interesting but it is really the gorgeous teak buildings that are the real highlight. Strict dresscode (see their website for details).

Erawan Museum

Bangna-Trad Rd., 02-371-3135. www.erawan-museum.com. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Admission: B150 for adults, B50 for children

It owes its name to a huge, three-headed elephant statue from Hindu mythology, Airavata (also known as Erawan) which you can also actually climb inside. The museum houses a collection of Thai antiques and artifacts such as Benjarong ceramics, Chakri dynasty tea sets, etc. Put in another B50 and gain access to the beautiful tropical garden.

Bangkokian Museum

Charoenkrung 43 Road, open Wed-Sun 10am – 4pm. 02-233-7027. Free admission. 

Made up of four wooden houses built in 1937, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of an upper-class Bangkokian family. Featuring elegant furniture and ornaments from the early Rattanakosin era and the reign of King Rama V, the different buildings are a charming space to spend a few hours and enjoy the river breeze in the well-kept gardens.