National Museum is the largest museum in Southeast Asia and houses collection of Thai artifacts, including some interesting collections of Chinese weapons, ceramics, clothing and textiles, wood-carvings, ect.

          The history of the National Museum Bangkok dates back to 1874 when King Rama V opened the first public "museum" to exhibit the royal collection of King Rama IV, and other objects of general interest, at the Concordia Pavilion inside the Grand Palace. Later, the Museum was transferred to its present site, the "Wang Na", or "Palace to the Front" which had been the palace of the Viceroy. In 1926, it was named the "Bangkok Museum" and subsequently developed into the National Museum Bangkok, when it came under the direction of the Department of Fine Arts in 1934.

The main parts of the National Museum are as follows:

1. Phutthaisawan Hall	2. Bahting Pavilion	3. Shiva Mokapiman Hall
4. The Red House	5. Isara Vinitchai Hall	6. Patihan Tasanai
7. Gold Treasures	8. Mahasurasinghanat Hall	9. Prapad Pipitphan Hall
10. Isaret Rachanusorn	11. Royal Chariots

1. Phutthaisawan Hall

           The Hall was built in 1787 to house the important Buddha image, Phra Buddhasihing. Inside the chapel, the mural paintings depict scenes from the life of the Buddha.

2. Bahting Pavilion

          Built in the reign of King Rama VI (1910 - 1925) formerly located at Sanam Chand Palace in Nakhon Pathom.

3. Shiva Mokapiman Hall

           This building was built when the Viceroy to King Rama I, Maha Surasinghanat, built the Palace of the Viceroy. Originally used as and Audience Hall, it now houses the Thai History Gallery.

4. The Red House

          This building displays of personal effects of the Queen Consort of King Rama II (1809 - 1821), and household items of the early Rattanakosin period.

5. Isara Vinitchai Hall

           The Issarawinitchai Hall was the Audience Hall of the Palace of the Viceroy and was erected by the Viceroy in the reign of King Rama III. It is used today as a gallery for special temporary exhibition.

6. Patihan Tasanai Pavilion

          Patihan Tasanai Pavilion was constructed in the reign of King Rama VI. Formerly located in Sanam Chand Palace in Nakhon Pathom.

7. Gold Treasures

          This building displays gold dedication objects that are in forms of Buddha images, sheets of imprinted images, golden tributary trees, stupa, and certain auspicious mythical animals.

8. Mahasurasinghanat Hall

           The Maha Surasinghanat Building, or South Wing Building, displays various artifacts from the World heritage prehistoric site, Ban Chiang, art history collection before 13th century and Asian Art collection.

9. Prapad Pipitphan Hall

           The Praphat Phiphitthaphan Building, or North Wing Building, houses art objects from the Lan Na, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok art styles.

10. Isaret Rachanusorn

           This building was constructed as the private residence for King Pin Klaw, the second King of King Rama IV. King Pin Klao was fond of the European way of life.This building contains furniture of the period and some European furniture which belonged to King Rama VI, as well as some Chinese furniture.

11. Royal Chariots

          This garage houses royal chariots of various sizes and other artifacts for a royal funerary ceremony. The chariots for high-ranking members of the royal family also are showed in here.

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