Kamthieng Museum

Kamthieng Museum, a teak traditional architectural structure, is located next to Asoke, one of the busiest areas of Sukhumvit. The museum surprises visitors with its green space and quietness, contrasting with a number of surrounding apartments, skyscrapers, hotels as well as bustling Terminal 21. The structure of this teak house seems to originate from villages in northern Thailand rather than insensitive concrete blocks we still have to see in everyday life. It has the current attractive appearance due to previous restorations. Visiting here, even just once, you will have a great experience of Thai traditional rural lifestyle. If you are not really passionate to learn about Thai history, it seems to waste time when you take a long trip just to see this little house.

The outside of Kamthieng House

Transportation to the area is also quite convenient. You just walk along Sukhumvit Soi 21, and Siam Society is just a few hundred meters from the Asoke or from exit No.1 of Asoke Skytrain station or entrance No.3 of Sukhumvit subway, you also have to walk just a few minutes to reach it.

Siam Society is well-known by its persistent struggle to preserve Thai culture, and Baan Kamthieng is where represents this most thoroughly. Promoted by the Thai royal family, this organization not only possesses a massive archive of material in a nearby library but also is responsible for overseeing the restoration work of the museum when they moved headquarter from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in the 60s of the last century (and one more time in 2001). Strolling around the museum gives you a fresh feeling in the style of Jim Thompson House Museum. These houses were the residence of rural families, so their appearance reflects the agricultural culture of the 19th century rather than the sumptuous lifestyle of the elite in the early 20th century. Also, this museum seems not to be advertised; therefore, although it is located in the center, you will feel separate from the bustling crowd.

The artifacts of the house

It takes only less than an hour to visit the museum. In spite of being short, it will make you excited and satisfied. Several very beautiful antiques are the barn, kits and original loom used for weaving silk. Additionally, the enchanting splendor of the ancient jewelry and spells also expresses Thai beliefs about the supernatural. Moreover, everything in this museum is carefully annotated in order to help tourists gain a better understanding of the country's history. This picturesque architectural work is also the great site for photographers. Children will be excited about the animation clip of the process of building the house from the perspective of a funny lizard and have an opportunity to see many interesting items here.

The kitchen of Kamthieng house - Photo: Google Image

Although I am quite surprised to find a place with the complete contrast style with surrounding Asoke and Sukhumvit, Baan Kamthieng is a remarkable museum with the tasteful decoration. If you have admired Jim Thompson’s house already and desire to see the rustic lifestyle of Thailand 100 years ago, this is the place you should not miss.