the National Museum

  

The National Museum

The National Museum (Wed–Sun 9am–4pm; B40), at the northwestern corner of Sanam Luang, houses a colossal hoard of Thailand's chief artistic riches, and offers worthwhile free guided tours in English (Wed & Thurs 9.30am). Among its numerous attractions are King Ramkhamhaeng's stele (displayed behind the information office), a black stone inscription from Sukhothai which dates back to the thirteenth century and is thought to be the earliest record of the Thai alphabet. The main collection boasts a fine chronological survey of the developing styles of religious sculpture in Thailand, from Dvaravati-era (sixth to eleventh centuries) stone and terracotta Buddhas through to the more naturalist style of the modern Bangkok era.

Elsewhere in the museum compound, Wang Na, a former palace, contains a fascinating array of Thai objets d'art, including an intricately carved ivory howdah, some fine theatrical masks, and a collection of traditional musical instruments. The Phra Aihing Buddha, the second holiest image in Thailand after the Emerald Buddha, is housed in the beautifully ornate Buddhaisawan Chapel, the vast hall in front of the eastern entrance to the Wang Na. On the south side of the Buddhaisawan Chapel, the sumptuous Ayutthaya-style house, Tamnak Daeng, is furnished in the style of the early Bangkok period.