Baan Kudichin Museum

📍 Location of Baan Kudichin Museum 🚘 Directions to Baan Kudichin Museum

About Baan Kudichin Museum

The Kudee _ Jeen area of Bangkok is a hidden gem, offering a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. This area, known as the old Portuguese quarters, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a less touristy side of Bangkok. A key stop in any tour of this area is a museum-cum-restaurant nestled within an old villa. This establishment offers a lovely cool courtyard, making it a great stop for a refreshing drink. The museum is filled with interesting artifacts, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the area.

The museum, which is free to enter, is located on the second floor of an old Portuguese house. The first floor has been converted into a cafe and souvenir store, making it a lovely place to cool down and relax after exploring the Kudhichin community.

The museum is not just a repository of artifacts, but also a treasure trove of historical facts about the arrival of the Portuguese to Siam and their influence in present-day Thailand. Visitors will be surprised to learn that some things considered quintessentially "Thai" were actually introduced by the Portuguese. The museum also houses a lovely cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, serving traditional eats. The souvenir shop offers a variety of locally made handicrafts at very reasonable prices.

The Baan Kudichin Museum is a hidden diamond for those interested in Portuguese culture and the memories of 500 years of Portuguese influence in Thailand, both religiously and culinarily. Nearby, the Santa Cruz Church stands as a testament to the Christian influence in this neighborhood. The Bairro da Conceição, which houses a statue of Maria, Mater Domini de Fátima, donated by Dom Duarte de Portugal, is also worth a visit.

The Kudichin community is an old town in Bangkok on the Thonburi side. The residents, mostly Christians, have been baking using original recipes for more than 100 years. The museum is set in an almost 100-year-old house in this community, showcasing some of the 500 years of Portuguese history in Thailand. The house has been kept in its original style, complete with the possessions of the last owner.

The museum also features a small shop with nice t-shirts and other souvenirs, and a coffee shop with affordable coffee and pricey cold drinks. The museum runs on volunteers, so a financial contribution and/or the purchase of souvenirs or drinks is appreciated.

This free-entrance museum was set up by a local Kudichin family and tells the story of the local area, particularly the Portuguese influence, and the life of a former Kudichin owner of the house, who was educated in England. The museum is easily reached on foot from the Memorial Bridge river boat pier, including the Santa Cruz church, and includes an interesting riverside walk with local wooden houses. The small alleyways in the area are perfectly safe and very quiet, making them a joy to explore. There are a few coffee and ice cream houses to provide refreshments. The museum has a very beautiful relaxing garden, a coffee shop serving a limited range of tasty drinks and desserts, and a souvenir shop. There is a bakery nearby that sells the local delicacy of Portuguese buns. The museum staff are very friendly, helpful, and speak excellent English. They are always available to answer questions about the local area. This museum is highly recommended for a whole afternoon's exploration. It offers a break from the usual hectic tourist sites in Bangkok.