Did you know that Bangkok has a thriving arts scene? Whether you are a seasoned art collector in search of your next big discovery or an amateur aficionado looking to stare soulfully at a piece that simply speaks to you… Bangkok has something for you.
And if you want to just walk around admiring street art or gawk at modern masterpieces at some of the best museums in the region, don’t worry – we have you covered too with this handy guide to this vibrant southeast Asian metropolis.
Of course, there are the obvious (but unmissable) places like the National Gallery, located on the site of the erstwhile Royal Mint in the city’s historic Phra Nakhon District, and the National Museum, showcasing the best of Thailand’s rich history and heritage. But for art lovers, there is so much more in Bangkok.
Begin with the Artist’s House
Let’s get you started with this cultural gem known as the Artist’s House, hidden in the atmospheric lanes along the Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market. Locally called Baan Silapin, this charming arts and crafts venue has been repurposed from an old Thai teakwood house, typical to this Thonburi precinct. And it has been embellished with a handful of human-sized statues painted in red, white and black and placed all around.
Picture credit: Baan Silapin official page: https://www.facebook.com/BaanSilapin/photos_albums
Take your time to appreciate the artwork, sculptures and crafts showcased around the house, and feel free to pop into the artist studios to look at their work and buy directly from them. There are regular workshops on local crafts like mask painting and puppet making, which can be a great way to immerse yourself into this experience.
Make sure to clock in for the daily 2 pm (except on Wednesdays) puppet show performed with exquisite, handcrafted puppets, narrating stories from Thai mythology (including the Indian epic of Ramayana). There is a small café within Artist House where you can put your feet up and watch the world passing by, as you tuck into some delicious local food.
As a bonus, spend some time exploring this fascinating neighbourhood, which itself is a glimpse into a fading way of life from a much slower era. These narrow lanes and wooden homes are a far cry from the glass skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls that modern day Bangkok has come to be associated with.
Explore Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
The beating heart of Bangkok’s contemporary art scene, the Bangkok Art and Culture Center hosts exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and workshops within a clean, modern space where both local and international artists get space to display their works.
Expect to see a range of art-related showcases, from abstract paintings to quirky installations. Then there are the film screenings, workshops and lecture demonstrations, music and dance performances, photography exhibitions – you take your pick.
Be sure to check out the smaller gallery spaces, design boutiques, bookstores (and the art library) and souvenir shops tucked across the nine floors of this captivating art hub. With its prime location in Siam district, the BACC offer easy access to people of all ages and mobility levels, including a free wheelchair access and accessible toilets on various levels.
Find an exhibition at Bangkok Kunsthalle
This newish arts and culture venue which has sprung up in the place of an old, abandoned printing house is the brainchild of an influential art patron. Bangkok Kunsthalle aims not just to promote a range of creative fields including art, architecture, music, cinema and literature, but also actively drive public discourse on the cultural topics presented through the art on show.
The bare and brutalist décor is a nod to the building’s past, with the art inside meant to be novel and cutting edge, reflective of the space and its surroundings. There are four exhibitions in the year, featuring both Thai and international artists, along with lectures, talks, workshops and readings on the contents of these shows.
The Khao Yai Forest Art exhibition is a speciality and combines nature with art. You can find day trips here.
Photo credit: https://www.khaoyaiart.com/
Wander around the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The MOCA houses an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary art from all over Thailand, making it one of the finest such collections within the country. The five storeyed museum showcases regional artists, with over 800 pieces carefully chosen and curated from communications billionaire Boonchai Bencharongkul’s private collection – including priceless pieces by renowned Thai artists like Chalermchai Kositpipat and Thawan Duchanee.
The building itself is an architectural marvel, designed with carved stone depicting traditional Thai motifs on the striking façade. The interiors are bright and expansive, allowing for easy mobility, with ample space to just stop for a break or simply engage more fully with a piece that catches your attention. The museum is also fully accessible by wheelchair and has clean toilets and a small café.
Picture credit: https://www.mocabangkok.com/
Soak In the Jim Thompson Art Center
Part gallery, part educational hub, this art center, adjacent to the more famous Jim Thompson House, presents temporary exhibitions by new and emerging artists from Thailand and other southeast Asian countries, along with a glimpse of Thompson’s personal collection of paintings and antiques. A visit to the Art Center makes for a relaxing experience, since it comes complete with a café, library and community space to sit back and rest when the going gets tough.
Be sure to drop into the House to know more about the history of silk weaving in the country through exhibits and live demonstrations. After all, the American architect (and according to some sources, spy) Jim Thompson was known as the Silk King of Thailand for his efforts to revive the country’s silk industry during the 1960s. The art center is easy to reach by public transport, including the sky train (metro) and bus.
Pick from one of many options of how to explore this iconic spot in Bangkok:
Tickets & hotel pick up
Combined Tour with Suan Pakkard Palace Museum
Explore the house & meet weaving community
View Art at River City Bangkok
This upscale art and antiques hub along the Chao Phraya River is the perfect place for those keen on shopping for fine, local art. Apart from regular painting and photography exhibitions, this swish complex also hosts art auctions, where art enthusiasts can combine their shopping with a peek at ongoing exhibitions on art, architecture, photography and the visual arts, browsing through atelier studios and designer boutiques, eating at one of the several cafés or coffeeshops, and perhaps even taking in a movie in your time there. River City conveniently located with direct access by boat or sky train, with minimal walking to get there.
Of course, no trip is complete without a few basics in place! So, here are our 101 travel kit recommendations for Bangkok:
5G Data Sim: Buy Here
Airport Transport Options:
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More options Here
BKK Skytrain One Day Pass: Buy Here