Anyone hooked on the “Royal Doctor” Thai TV period drama set during the reign of King Rama III, will certainly fall in love with both the male and female stars and their love story. They will also get to learn about the wisdom of traditional Thai medicine coupled with modern medical knowledge to help patients

With the popularity of the TV show, there’s no better time to visit Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum where anyone from any age can learn about modern medicine. Take a step back in time and you will find the museum is situated on the historic Thonburi Railway Station, Thailand’s first southbound railway line in Thailand, where the remnants of the historic landmark can still be seen and felt as you explore. You will learn about the way of life of the community along the Bangkok Noi Canal and Wang Lang from the Thonburi era to the present day. Experience the miracles of the 108 types of Thai herbal medicine, tour the simulated surgery operating theater where every medical student must step foot in. There is also a century-old ancient barge on display. This museum has a structured narrative that has natural progression through every exhibition. If you don’t believe it, come visit for yourself ! 
 

A Trip down Siriraj’s Memory Lane at

The reception Hall area is the designed to look like the first railway station and it is the starting point to the various exhibitions kicking off with the inception of Siriraj Hospital where a gallery of depicting the biography and the royal cremation of HRH Prince Krom Phra Rajawang Bovorn Sthanbimuk. Following the royal cremation, the auspicious wood was used for the construction of the Kingdom’s first hospital: Siriraj Hospital.

Archeology enthusiasts will revel in tracing the history of the Phra Rajawang Bovorn Sthanbimuk (Wang Lang Palace); although not much can be seen now, every brick here can narrate the over-200-year-old history and social life of the past. The various ancient ceramic artifacts discovered while constructing the medical institution can be viewed in the exhibition room, including many rare ancient weapons from different periods and localities. The highlighted weapon is the two Sword of Victory, which was adapted from the Japanese katana, and can only be wielded by noblemen.

After laying down the narrative foundation, it is time for visitors to put on the glasses for the 4D movie that put the visitors in the past to learn about the beginning of the construction of Bangkok Noi Railway Station into World War II and on to the present. Visitors will like they are riding the southern-line train, observing major events throughout history, all of which are enhanced by incredible sound and visual effects. 
 

A Glimpse into The Life of Medical Students, Miracles of Thai Herbal Medicine

‘A cadaver lays lifeless on the operating table. Draped entirely in green cloth, revealing only  bones of his outstretched arm. Next to the cadaver, the first scalpels used, along with textbooks on human anatomy.’ This room is the heart of the studies of every medical student as they must eventually step into this room. It is quite a feeling to learn that the operating table, as well as the various medical equipment have been used in real life to operate on cadavers. What’s more stunning is that the cadaver which many would think is a model is actually real. It has been preserved and put on display. A few steps will lead visitors to the simulated retro operating theater where you can assume the role of a surgeon. There are also paper-mache anatomical models, some nearly a hundred years old, and a state-of-the-art diagnostic room from yesteryears.

The wonders of the human body is an exhibition not to be missed. Visitors will get to examine human anatomy from the perspective of doctors practicing traditional Thai medicine and western medicine. Now, for the highlight for visitors that love the “Royal Doctor” series.  The Osothwattana Dispensary is where visitors can learn the miraculous properties of medicine and Thai herbs.

Continuing on, the museum's third building showcases the history of the Bangkok Noi Community There is also the century-old ancient barge that stretches 24 meters in length. It is regarded as the biggest wooden barge to have been excavated from freshwater in Thailand. It was then restored and put on display. A highlight not to be missed.  

Location : 2 Wanglang Road Siri Rat Khet Bangkok Noi Bangkok 10700
Opening Hours : Monday , Wednesday – Sunday 10.00 hrs. – 16.30 hrs.
Admission Fee :  Adults 80 baht / Children (under 18 years)  25 baht 
 

Travel Around

• Street food adventure at Wang Lang: After the museum tour, head to Wang Lang for the incredible street food scene where food is affordable and delicious. Some of the recommended stops include Anwa Chachak Pattani & Yahyah Roti where you can enjoy delicious thin roti breads stuffed with a variety of fillings. Another must-try is Baan Phang Chicken Noodle where the recommended dishes included Tom Yum noodles and pork suki fried rice. Round off the meal with something sweet at JaPang Ice Cream where they serve ice cream and grilled toast. Or if you like, just chill at a spot by the river. 
• Pay respects at Wat Amarinthraram Worawihan: Not far from the Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum is an ancient temple believed to have been built in the Ayutthaya era. Originally named “Wat Bang Wa Noi, King Rama I later bestowed the name “Wat Amarinthraram”. It was said that the temple was heavily damaged during the Greater East Asia War but the statue of Luang Pho Bot Noi and other replica Buddhist relics located in the chapel were not damaged. Thus, the temple became famous for the miraculous safety of the relics amidst the heavy destruction.