Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Hours (Open/Closed) Monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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About Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

The Sukhothai museum is a treasure trove of art objects and antiques, all representative of the Sukhothai style. The collection is divided into three parts: the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum building, the Lai Sue Thai Memorial building, and the outdoor museum. The museum houses a vast array of artifacts from ancient Sukhothai, including a multitude of Buddha statues. However, the museum does not provide extensive explanations about the historical significance of these artifacts.

One of the most fascinating exhibits in the museum is the display on the birth of the Thai alphabet. This exhibit showcases the evolution of the Thai alphabet, which is particularly interesting for those who can read Thai. However, it's worth noting that the museum does not have air conditioning, which can be uncomfortable given Thailand's tropical climate.

The museum is a nice respite from the heat of the historical park, thanks to its air conditioning. It contains many artifacts from the local area. However, some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with the pricing policy, which charges foreigners five times the price for Thai citizens. A Thai driver's license is not accepted as proof of residency; a Thai ID is required.

The entrance fee to the museum is 150B, and a free locker is provided for visitors to store their belongings. There are two buildings open for visitors, with the main building housing the majority of the collection. The smaller building is closed, but visitors can view the collection through glass windows. The museum also features a small, relaxing park at the back of the buildings, where some of the collection is displayed.

The museum is an excellent resource for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Sukhothai. It features beautiful works of art and interesting artifacts, all well displayed with clear information in English. After visiting the historical park in Sukhothai, visitors can spend about an hour viewing the artifacts and sculptures on display in the museum. The museum also features English signage on most displays, providing insight into Thai history and culture in and around Sukhothai.

Despite its merits, some visitors have found the museum to be a waste of time and money. The first building has been described as irrelevant, and the most interesting exhibit in the second building is the original walking Buddha. Some visitors have also reported rude staff and poor bathroom facilities.

Despite these criticisms, the museum is a must-visit after exploring the Sukhothai ruins. It displays all the figures, ceramics, day-to-day artifacts, and larger sculptures found in the temples, providing a comprehensive impression of the achievements of the Sukhothai era. The museum also features well-kept gardens with replicas of village life, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people of Sukhothai.