| The building complex of the National Museum in | | | | The hall, or ‘sala’, as it is known in Bangkok, is |
| Bangkok, which was formerly a palace, depicts the | | | | ornate with utensils, rings, jewels and other trinkets |
| true traditions of Thai architecture. The history of the | | | | belonging to the royal family. A chamber believed to be |
| Asian nation unfolds in several pavilions, which contain | | | | used by the King’s sister, made almost entirely out |
| priceless artifacts, murals and scrolls. In the year 1874 | | | | of teak and known as the ‘Red House’, |
| King Rama V, paved the way for the opening of this | | | | showcases how lavishly their abode was furnished. |
| museum. | | | | The weaponry used in the 17th century is showcased |
| A visitor usually commences the tour of the Museum | | | | in a separate arcade along with a huge replica of a |
| from the History Gallery that displays Thai history from | | | | war elephant, as they were frequently used at the |
| the 7th to 8th century. Further strengthening the | | | | war front. Some elaborately carved guns and swords |
| existence of pre historic culture within the boundaries | | | | are also displayed here, some of which were meant |
| of Thailand, many cave paintings, bronzes and | | | | only for decorative purposes and not for war fare. |
| ceramics used between 3700 BC to 300 AD fill the | | | | Porcelain-ware produced in China according to Thai |
| next hall known as the ‘Prehistory Gallery’. | | | | classical designs, musical instruments, wood carvings |
| Even in the olden days, the leading religion in Thailand | | | | and stone inscriptions are all housed in their separate |
| had been Buddhism. The Buddhaisawan Chapel built in | | | | ‘salas’. Costumes, masks and puppets that |
| 1795 bears evidence to that. The most venerated | | | | were used for conventional dance and drama are on |
| ‘Phra Buddha Sihing’ image dwells in this chapel, | | | | display in the Theatre Arts room. The ivory carvings |
| along with many other murals and paintings which | | | | are particularly noteworthy as it even includes a |
| portray different episodes in the life of the Buddha. | | | | ‘howdah’. Musical instruments and trays used |
| The transportation room displays the various modes | | | | for religious offerings made of mother of pearl in the |
| used by the royalty of Thailand to travel from place to | | | | 19h century are also eye-catching. |
| place. The elephant chairs, known as ‘howdahs’, | | | | This historical adventure is best undertaken while |
| had been the most commonly used vehicle, while gilt | | | | based in one of the numerous Bangkok serviced |
| edged palanquins (small carriages carried with the | | | | apartments which grace centralized positions of the |
| assistance of poles by men from the four sides) had | | | | city. The Ascott Sathorn Bankgkok is one of those |
| been used for formal occasions. Meandering through | | | | strategically placed luxury serviced apartments |
| the museum, one finds an entire hall devoted to the | | | | Bangkok, offering a fine complement to the |
| gold and jewellery owned by kings in the days of yore. | | | | quintessential Thai experience. |