The Sukhumvit area in Bangkok is certainly one of the city’s liveliest locales with everything from nightlife to shopping on offer. Of course this area is also a great spot to soak up some local culture; apart from sampling exotic Thai cuisine which is a ‘must do’ when in the area also look to visit one of the galleries or museums in and around Sukhumvit which do offer a fascinating insight into both traditional and modern culture in the capital.
1. Kamthieng House Museum
First up is the Kamthieng House Museum, a fascinating structure which is actually a traditional teakwood house over a century and a half old that has been renovated. It is a great place to visit to get an idea of how village life used to be and is an intriguing visitor experience amidst the bustling city. As you explore the site you will come across ‘relics’ from a different day and age from a rice granary to a silk weaving loom. While visiting this site is one of the most captivating things to do in Sukhumvit, it helps to have a centrally located hotel base within easy reach. 23 is an option worth considering.
2. Bangkok Folk Museum
Another museum that is housed in a traditional structure, the Bangkok Folk Museum can be found within a building that dates back to World War II. Here too you can expect to see artefacts and belongings from that era such as Thai porcelain. You will find two buildings here; in the first there are items belonging to the original occupants some of which date back to the period of King Rama V. The second building is where you can see a rather fascinating cigar collection and what a kitchen of that time looked like.
3. Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (BACC)
Art lovers should definitely make time to head to the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre which actually is reminiscent to New York’s Guggenheim in style. This is a super place to see up and coming artistic talent in the country as well as work from international artists. Exhibits vary and so you can expect to view something different be it art, film, theatre or music. Since it is free, it is well worth stopping by when in the area.
4. Bangkok National Museum
Easily accessible from Sukhumvit, the Bangkok National Museum is a rich storehouse of items from Thailand’s history. The museum covers a large area, both indoors and outdoors so there is plenty to go through covering everything from the Ayutthaya to Sukhotahai eras. Historic value aside there is much to keep you enthralled and items such as traditional weapons, musical instruments, carriages, sculptures and even puppets do offer an interesting insight into the country’s heritage.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
