Arts of the Kingdom Museum
Situated on Koh Kerd island within the historic Ayutthaya region, this museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the finest traditions of Thai royal craftsmanship. Its collections feature rare, handmade works created for the King and Queen of Thailand, spanning intricate wood carvings, gold and silver metalwork, beetle-wing art, and other exceptional examples of traditional Thai artistry. The pieces are considered national treasures, and the museum presents them within well-maintained, beautifully landscaped grounds that add to the sense of occasion. Inside, the atmosphere is thoughtful and immersive. Air-conditioned galleries allow visitors to move comfortably through the exhibitions at their own pace, taking time to examine the fine detail that defines each piece. Staff are noted for being welcoming and attentive. The experience tends to reward those who approach it slowly and attentively, as the craftsmanship reveals itself most fully up close. Photography is not permitted inside the galleries, so visitors are encouraged to be fully present rather than focused on capturing images. Good to know: Opening hours and admission details are not reliably listed online, so it is worth confirming locally in Ayutthaya or checking at the Bang Pa-in area before making the journey. The museum's island location means transport requires some advance planning. As with all cultural sites in Thailand, respectful, modest dress is recommended.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Arts of the Kingdom Museum, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Highly recommended! If you want to see extraordinary Thai craft handmade for the King and Queen of Thailand, you can't miss this ❤️ ♥️ 💖 . The camera is not allow inside. The staff are very nice and highly service. The museum also provide audio guide in 10 languages (Thai English French Russian Chinese Korean Japanese German Italian Spainish) which is very convenient while you watch the art. The foreigner can use the Grand Palace ticket to access here as well. Closed on New Year’s Day and Songkran Day (April 13 – 15) Free Visit on June 3, July 28, August 12, December 5 and Children’s Day
Absolutely beautiful pieces of art inside, worth the price. Inside has an air conditioners to keep you cool while walking down watching the art pieces made by Thai local people. All are hand made and take time to make them. Showing Thailand people are skilled and talented in art. No photos inside. You have put your bags & camera, phones in a luggage safe. There is a cafe outside the museum, you can have drinks and sweets there. Plenty of bathrooms - clean and tidy
This place showcases Thai arts at its supremacy. The exhibitions are all rare items and demonstrate high level of arts and crafts. The story of craftsmen is even more fascinating as most of them were farmers or from farmers’ families, trained in the institutions before created the masterpieces. Within the vicinity, there is also a museum of Khon where you can learn the applications of high arts into the grand stage play costumes.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Also Popular in Ayutthaya
Ayothaya Floating Market
Visitors can walk or ride a boat around this hub of souvenir shops & eateries lining a waterway.
Ayutthaya City Park
500+ stores at a modern, indoor-outdoor shopping center with a convention hall & futsal arena.
Sriayuthaya Lion Park
A well-kept zoo in Ayutthaya where visitors can feed and observe lions, giraffes, tigers, and more.
Chet Sao Noi National Park
A peaceful national park near Saraburi featuring a seven-tiered waterfall, forest trails, and natural swimming spots.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.
Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). Day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river