Lacquer House, Suan Pakkad Palace, Bangkok

WoWasis is always looking for interesting museums that aren’t always well-touristed. The wonderful Suan Pakkad Palace museum is one of these, located just a few steps east of Exit 4 at the Phaya Thai BTS station, houses a nice collection of artifacts in a “palace” setting of old Thai teak homes.  Eight separate houses contain the collection amassed by Prince Chumbot Paribatra of Hagor Svarga, a grandson of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and Princess Paribatra.  

Houses 1 through 4 were acquired and moved to the property in 1952, while the others, including the spectacular Lacquer pavilion, arrived later.  Highlights of the museum include the houses and garden, a welcome respite from Bangkok’s cityscape, the prehistoric pottery and jewelry collection from Ban Chiang village, which flourished from 3000 to 5600 years ago, and the ceramics collection in House 7.   The lower floor in House 1 features an amazing collection of Thai musical instruments. 

Most visitors, though, come here to see the charming Lacquer Pavilion, moved here from upriver in 1959 with the presiding abbot’s permission, in a state of disrepair.   The well-restored pavilion features mural paintings of gold on black lacquer.   

Suan Pakkad Palace
352-354 Sri Ayuttahaya Road
Bangkok 10400
BTS Phaya Thai, Take Exit 4. Turn right on Sri Ayutthaya, Suan Pakkad is a two minute walk from the corner.
Tel: 02-245-4934
Open: Daily, 9 am – 4 pm
www.suanpakkad.com
GPS: N13°45.434’  E100°32.269’