There’s A Hidden Museum In Asoke Within A 100-Year-Old Traditional Thai House

Kamthieng House Museum


In the heart of one of Bangkok’s bustling business districts, Asoke, there’s a northern Thai cultural museum called Kamthieng House Museum, housed in a 100-year-old wooden house within a green garden not many know about. 

Image credit: @nan_anny

This century-old house, or Ruen Galare, is built in a Lanna* style and was donated to the Siam Society by Mrs. Kimhor Nimmanhaemin. It was then turned into the ethnographic museum as it stands today.

The museum was named Kamthieng to commemorate Mrs. Nimmanhaemin’s mother.

*Lanna means northern Thai.


Learn more about Lanna culture


Image credit: @turbeaubkk

Aiming to preserve the culture of Lanna, Kamthieng House Museum is home to ordinary items we could have found in any northern Thai household in the past – from kitchenware and hand-woven fabrics to weapons. 

There’s even a section about Lanna tattoos, which was pretty interwoven with superstitious beliefs and popular among men back in the day.

Image credit: Wongnai

If you want to dive deep into learning more about northern Thai culture, the museum also has a library with history books and old images of ancient Lanna culture and heritage.

The entrance fee is ฿50 per day if you’re not a member of the library. However, you can subscribe monthly for ฿3,500 or only at ฿500 if you’re a student.  

Let’s travel back in time and learn about fine northern Thai history in the heart of Bangkok.

Kamthieng House Museum
Address: 131 Asok Montri Rd, Khlong Toei, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat: 9AM – 5PM. (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Entrance Fee: ฿100
Nearest Train Station: Asoke BTS
Telephone: (+66)02 661 6470
Website

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Cover image adapted from: @nan_anny, @turbeaubkk 

Eddie Jirayu: