Suan Pakkad Palace, Bangkok: Explore the Art and Antiques

• Eight houses

In total, there are eight antique Thai houses here in Suan Pakkad palace.  The Prince and the Princess of Chumbhot opened the doors of these houses and their reserves to the public in a spirit of sharing in the year 1952. It is really interesting to note that these were transported from their original location in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Each house here is two storeys high and is interlined with pathways on the upper platform. You can even walk from one house to another without completely getting out. The palace also has a beautiful garden that greets the visitors as soon as they enter. It is said that this garden was originally a family heirloom.  

• Musical heritage 

Legend has it that the father of the Prince of Chumbhot was a traditional Thai music composer. On these lines, the first among the eight houses of Suan Pakkad palace houses precious musical instruments owned and nurtured by the Prince’s father. These include rare drums, gongs, xylophones and other such instruments. The most loved and talked-about among these is a rare percussion instrument called Gong Wong Yai. The instrument has in itself sixteen metallic discs, each of which have a different pitch! The house also features old vinyl records of a 1920s Bangkok orchestra performance. 

• Thai sculptures

The first house also has a number of artefacts that reflect sculptural and artistic brilliance from the historic periods in ancient Thailand and Southeast Asia. The highlights are war-weary swords, muskets and spears, portraits of former kings and Buddha images. Buddha images seen embracing the subduing Mara pose are a unique attraction here in Thailand. Houses 2 and 3 have on display ancient Thai thrones and Buddha images throughout different periods in ancient Thai history. 

• Artistic collections

You can also visit houses number 2 and 3 to have a look at beautiful drawings from the 17th century that are reminiscent of the culture during that period. Have a look at the silverware from the nineteenth century placed among the food containers used by royalty. Interestingly, porcelain was used along with silver as cutlery. These houses also feature beautiful ornamental fans donated to the royal family by Buddhist monks. Some artistic collections date back to the prehistoric period. You can find artefacts that are reminiscent of traditional dances exclusive to Thai culture in houses 5 through 8. 

• Lacquer pavillion

This pavilion can be traced back to the seventeenth century. This is the most admired feature among so many in the Suan Pakkad palace. It is said that this pavilion was originally located near a temple in Ayutthaya. This is one among the five pavilions hosted by the museum. This was originally brought to Bangkok by the Prince of Chumbhot as a birthday gift to the princess. The interiors of this pavilion are richly decorated with ornate murals of Ramayana and Buddhism. It is said that this is highly reflective of original Thai architecture.

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• The Suan Pakkad palace hosts several historic antiques unique to Thai culture, among which you can find the four thousand years old Ban Chiang pottery
• The Marsi gallery which is a part of the Suan Pakkad palace is a display of ancient Thai artworks
• The Suan Pakkad palace hosts preserved art works, musical instruments, Buddha sculptures, potteries and even the household items and cutlery used by the royal family
• Covered hallways and manicured gardens are unique highlights of the palace which rope in tourists from around the world
• Suan Pakkad translates to “cabbage patch”. This is because, before being converted into a museum hosting a collection of private houses by the royal family, this place used to be nothing more than a cabbage patch

The palace is open throughout the week from 9 in the morning to 4 in the evening. If you want a quiet peaceful exploration of this artistic attraction then it is best to visit during the early hours. This is also a great place to visit during the afternoon when there is too much sun, as the gardens are a great escape from the heat. 

• The entrance fee is 100 Baht.

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Apart from renting a taxi, the best way to reach the museum is by the Skytrain. You could take the Sukhumvit line and get down at the Phayathai station. From here it is almost a 5-10 minute walk to the museum. Explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history of Thailand with our curated Bangkok package with flight, offering an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and relaxation.

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• Jim Thompson house

The history-buff in you wants more? Here’s another find! After your tours around the Suan Pakkad palace you could pay a visit to the Jim Thompson house which is nearby. This house used to belong to the namesake American who contributed immensely to the Thai silk industry post World War II. It features a brilliant display of Asian art and so much more! 

• King power Rangnam

Hit up the King Power Rangnam mall for some shopping after food for your history-obsessed brain. This mini shopping mall is a duty free shopping hub that hosts some of the world’s very well reputed brands for you to pick from. The place is also child-friendly and offers a refreshing break from your routine.

• Sam Sen Nai Philatelic museum

If you are someone who has a soft spot for stamps and mail, you should definitely check this place out! Sam sen nai philatelic museum hosts a huge number of historically important stamps that were used in the past. They also sell little souvenirs that you can take back with you!

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