Museums in Bangkok: Tickets and Tours

One of the most visited cities in South East Asia, Bangkok needs no introduction. As a melting pot of cultures and history, the destination is home to a collection of fascinating exhibitions showcasing a mix of dynasties, pop culture, and religion.

There are several museums in Bangkok to choose from meaning that no matter your interests, there will be an attraction for you.

Madame Tussauds

Those who have celebrity fever can step into Madame Tussauds and feel as though they’re surrounded by Hollywood’s elite. The history of the waxwork museum dates back to the 19th century when the French artist settled in London to create historical figures. Today, there are 23 locations of the museum, which honor the legacy that Marie Tussaud left behind.

Inside this attraction in Bangkok, you’ll find lifesize statues of your most beloved movie leads, pop princesses and sports heroes, including Ariana Grande, David Beckham, and  Bruce Lee. Alongside these current superstars, you can also discover 200 years of history through a range of recognizable leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, Barrack Obama and Narendra Modi. See the faces that shaped the world you see today, such as Nobel Prize winner, Albert Einstein, musical genius Ludwig van Beethoven and Pablo Picasso who is best known for his Guernica painting, which depicts a bombing raid during the Spanish Civil War.

Whether you have dreams of becoming the next Mark Zuckerburg or are just crazy for Justin Beiber, you’ll find over 90 waxworks to pose next to and trick your loved ones back home into believing you’ve been up close with your favorite A-lister.

Erawan Museum

Those who wish to dig deeper into the religions of ancient Siam can do so at Bangkok’s Erawan Museum. What sets this attraction apart is its colossal three-headed elephant statue, which stands at almost 30 meters high and weighs 250 tons. Several different religions are represented on-site through a myriad of artifacts, all of which form the personal collection of the Thai businessman, Lek Viriyapant.

The museum is separated into three sections, which represent the underworld, the human world and the heavens from the Triphumikatha scripture. The lowest floor is filled with ceramics that display South East Asian culture through the centuries. Alongside ceramics, you can also find handcrafted furniture from the Rattanakosin period, as well as a sculpture of a nāga — a divine being that is half-human and half-snake.

On the second floor, you can discover an ornate stained glass ceiling, which is laid out like a world map and represents the four elements — earth, water, wind, and fire. Unlike the lowest floor, which exclusively features Asian objects, the ceiling of the second floor was created by a German artist.

The final floor, representing heaven, features a vibrant depiction of the solar system across its ceiling and you’ll find a collection of ancient statues of Buddha in various poses here. The items for this floor are carefully selected to pay respect to the gods and the statues date back to several time periods, including the Lopburi, Ayutthaya, and Lanna eras.

Patpong Museum

The Patpong Museum is one of the newest exhibitions in Bangkok and displays over 100 years of Thai history, beginning with the founder of the Patpong dynasty — Chinese-born immigrant, Tun Phu, who later changed his name to Poon Pat. You’ll stroll through the site exploring the most historic events of the past century in relation to the dynasty, including the Vietnam War, which affected several countries in South East Asia, as well as Europe and the United States.

You’ll also learn the roots behind Bangkok’s Gogo bars, which are often frequented by visitors who are curious about Thailand's lady-boy culture and unusual nighttime shows. Discover how this phenomenon has risen into the thriving Red Light District you see today at this private exhibition.