Bangkok, a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions coexist with modern extravagance. In this bustling metropolis, we invite you to join us on a journey through a day in Bangkok’s old town, as we explore the historical treasures of Museum Siam, indulge in a healthy feast in a “From Farm to Table” restaurant (that’s actually the restaurant’s name) and have a coffee with a view of the iconic Wat Arun.
Museum Siam – Where History Comes Alive
Our first stop on this immersive day out is Museum Siam, a captivating window into the heart and soul of Thailand’s rich history and culture. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s old town, Museum Siam isn’t your typical stuffy museum. It’s a modern museum, that can be visited in a couple of hours. Its creators tried to convey an experience that engages all senses, particularly for children.
Housed within a historic neoclassical building, the museum’s architecture alone is worth the visit. The exhibits here are designed to transport you through time, giving you a unique perspective on Thai culture and traditions, with interactive displays and multimedia presentations. It’s quite well done, though nothing spectacular. Even if history isn’t your forte, Museum Siam makes it enjoyable and it’s short enough to visit not to get boring.
How to Get There
Museum Siam is conveniently located near Sanam Chai MRT Station, the station exit is literally in the museum yard, it’s one of the newest MRT stations, super clean and nicely decorated, it sets you in the mood for the museum. That’s how we got there from Sukhumvit, but alternatively, you can take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to reach it (stop on N7 / Rajinee). Either way, you’re in for an enjoyable journey.
Museum Siam, located in the historic part of Bangkok, is a small interactive museum that provides a comprehensive exploration of the country’s history and culture. Through immersive exhibitions, multimedia displays, and hands-on experiences, it offers visitors a unique and informative journey through Thailand’s rich heritage, showcasing the evolution of its society, traditions, and contemporary life in an engaging and modern way.
It is situated in a beautifully renovated neoclassical building that was once the Ministry of Commerce in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin district, near the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The museum’s construction and architectural design blend the old and the new, with its historic exterior and modern interior, providing a fitting backdrop for its innovative exhibits and interactive displays.
It’s very cheap (100 THB for adults, elderly free) and worth a visit when planning to walk in the area, the neighborhood is interesting with the Flower Market nearby, and it’s just a few minutes walk away from Wat Pho and The Grand Palace, which are of course a must see in Bangkok. Open Tuesday – Sunday 10.00 – 18.00.
“From Farm to Table” – Healthy Lunch in Bangkok
After immersing yourself in history, it’s time to recharge with a delicious and nutritious meal at “From Farm to Table.” This delightful restaurant lives up to its name, offering dishes crafted from locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
After our visit to Museum Siam, we had planned to check a restaurant nearby, whose name itself seems it would provide a wholesome meal, and that’s precisely what “From Farm to Table” offers. The restaurant is within walking distance from Museum Siam. It was packed when we arrived so we had to wait in line, but we got a seat quite quickly.
This restaurant’s concept revolves around using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create healthy dishes. It’s located in a small soi right next to the Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat), it’s a busy old fashioned area, with delivery trucks and The restaurant itself is not that easy to spot, it’s in a renovated townhouse with a nice garden full of trees, the eco-friendly ambiance welcomes you with open arms.
We highly recommend their salads, filled with fresh vegetables and homemade dressings. The grilled chicken was also quite good. A simple restaurant that has a commitment to supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, there aren’t that many in Bangkok.
Riverside Serenity and Coffee with a Wat Arun view
Our day wouldn’t be complete without a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Chao Phraya River. The river has played an integral role in Bangkok’s history, and its beauty continues to enchant visitors. After lunch, we walked around the area and entered randomly in small streets to the river until we found a café, the view on the river being our main objective.
This charming café on the Chao Parya is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the captivating beauty of Wat Arun. The coffee itself was fine, the coffee scene in Thailand has evolved so quickly you can find great coffee anywhere these days, of course they a variety of brews and cakes.
It’s often crowded and you have to be lucky to get a sit on the outside terrace, but if you do, you can sip your coffee with a mesmerizing view, and if you fear the heat, you also have the view from the air-conditioned room too.
Whether you’re a tourist, an expat, or a resident of this wonderful city, we encourage you to embark on your own adventure through Bangkok’s history, cuisine, and scenic beauty. There are hidden gems on most corners of this vibrant city. But now, we’d love to hear from you. Have you explored Bangkok’s old town? What aspect of our day would you most like to experience?
