- On the western side of Sanam Luang, the National Museum is the largest museum in Southeast Asia and an excellent place to learn about Thai art. All periods and styles are represented from Dvaravati to Ratanakosin, and English-language literatre is available. Room 23 contains a wellmaintained collection of traditional musical instruments from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia. Other permanent exhibits include ceramics, clothing and textiles, woodcarving, regalia and weaponry.
- The musem bildings were built in 1782 as the palace of Rama I's viceroy, Prince Wang Na. Rama V turned it into a museum in 1884.
- In addition to the exhibition halls, there is the restored Buddhaisawan (Phutthaisawan) Chapel. Inside the chapel (built in 1795) are some well-preserved original murals and one of the country's most revered Buddha images, Phra Phut Sihing. Legend says the image came from Sri Lanka, but art historians attribte it to 13th-century Sukhothai.
- Free English-Language toure of the museum are given by volunteers on Wednesday (Buddhism) and Thursday (Thai art, religion and culture). These guided tour are excellent. The tours are also conducted in German (Thrsday), French (Wednesday) and Japanese (Wednesday). All tours start from the ticket pavilion at 9.30 am.
- The museum is serviced by bs Nos 30, 32, 47 and 53.
