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