Rating: 4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Tuesday – Saturday (closed on Sunday, Monday, and public holidays)

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (hours may be adjusted to 09:30 – 16:30 during certain periods; please check the latest announcements from The Siam Society before visiting)

 

Kamthieng House Museum is a cultural attraction in Bangkok that gently pulls you away from the fast pace of Asok and into an authentic Lanna wooden house—without having to travel far. What makes this place special is not only the age or beauty of the traditional Thai house, but the fact that the entire structure was carefully relocated and reassembled within the grounds of The Siam Society under Royal Patronage. This allows city visitors to experience northern Thai architecture and ways of life on a human scale—easy to understand, calming to walk through, and suitable both for those seeking a quiet pause and for those wanting to take home meaningful knowledge.

 

Kamthieng House is a traditional house from Chiang Mai that is over 150 years old. It was later donated to The Siam Society, which developed the site into a folk and ethnological museum. In simple terms, the museum is not meant to display “old objects” alone, but to invite visitors to read the “life” of northern Thai people through the house itself—its spatial layout and everyday tools—from utensils and woven items to farming equipment and small details that reveal how people thought and lived in relation to their environment.

 

One of the charms that draws many visitors is the feeling of walking through a real home rather than a staged exhibition. The raised wooden structure makes the wisdom of traditional craftsmanship tangible: why the house is elevated, why the underfloor space matters, and why everyday objects are placed where they are for practical use and climate adaptation. If you enjoy observing details, spend time looking at the woodwork and the rhythm of the spaces, and you may find that a single house can tell a much broader story about society than expected.

 

In terms of exhibition content, the museum introduces the way of life of northern Thai communities using authentic objects as storytellers. What makes the visit engaging is the simple act of guessing what each item was used for before reading the explanations—turning learning into a relaxed, enjoyable experience. This makes the museum especially suitable for children and student groups, as it transforms the concept of “ethnology” into something approachable through close observation of houses and household items.

 

To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to start by taking in the overall layout of the house to understand how the space supports daily life, then gradually explore key areas and objects that form the narrative. This approach helps keep a clear storyline in mind, rather than viewing items in isolation. For photography, late morning to mid-afternoon often provides softer light, bringing out the texture of the wood and the shadows along the eaves.

 

Getting There The museum is located within The Siam Society under Royal Patronage at 131 Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asok). For public transport, the easiest way is to reach the Asok area first, then walk or take a motorcycle taxi into the Siam Society grounds. If driving, set your destination to “The Siam Society” and allow extra time for traffic and parking, as Asok is a busy area during peak hours. To avoid inconvenience, always check the latest opening days and hours before your visit.

 

 

A: It is generally open from Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. Checking the latest announcements from The Siam Society before visiting is recommended.

 

A: Based on standard information, Thai adults pay 50 THB, children enter for free, and foreign visitors pay 100 THB. Some periods may offer free admission or adjusted conditions, so please verify the latest details.

 

A: A relaxed visit typically takes about 45–90 minutes. If you wish to read all the labels and closely observe the wood craftsmanship, allowing 1–2 hours is recommended.

 

A: Yes, very much so. The museum tells its story through a real house and authentic everyday objects, making it engaging for children who enjoy observing how items were used and why Lanna houses are designed the way they are.

 

A: Reaching the Asok area first is the most convenient, then walking or taking a motorcycle taxi into the Siam Society grounds. Using the destination “The Siam Society” on maps helps ensure clarity.