Bangkok World Tourism Day 2016 – Spectacular Night at The National Museum

WORLD TOURISM DAY CELEBRATION

The September 27th of every year is the important day when the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially celebrates the World Tourism Day. Every year, this grand event takes place to raise awareness of the importance and the precious value of tourism. Besides its importance in the aspects of society, culture, politics and economy, World Tourism Day also promotes ethical tourism, sustainable development and equal accessibility to tourism-related places and services.

First held on September 27, 1980, with the main theme of “Tourism’s Contribution to the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and to Peace and Mutual Understanding,” this year’s official celebration is held in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme of “Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility” with an idea that everyone regardless of age, condition and needs, can travel and have access to tourism in every manner.

With the press conference held at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand presided over the official celebration of the World Tourism Day 2016 in Bangkok as commissioned by the UNWTO in a bid to promote “Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility”, while endorsing the new National Tourism Development Plan envisioned by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

“Being popular for its many types of tourism-related activities – cultural tourism, ecotourism, green tourism, as well as medical and wellness tourism, Thailand has also designated additional tourism promotion areas by focusing on creation of transportation linkage with the country’s existing tourist areas. It has also promoted community participation so as to let the public get involved in the community development in order to drive Thailand forward as the world’s leading tourist destination. Furthermore, the tourism development will also lead to the sustainable development of the country’s economy, society and distribution of income, according to the National Tourism Development Plan under the 20-year development strategy,” said Prime Minister Gen Prayut.

BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM

After the official celebrations for World Tourism Day, we were invited to explore Bangkok National Museum in the evening. Bangkok National Museum sits on the former grounds of the 18th Century Wang Na Palace and houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. It was opened by King Rama V to exhibit the antiques and gifts bestowed to him by his father and once held a reputation for being an ill-organized gathering of dusty relics.

Exhibits have now been arranged into three areas consistent with Thai history and visitors will be happy to know that there are English-language descriptions available. The front of the Sivamokhaphiman Hall is a Thai history gallery spanning the Sukothai through to the Rattanakosin periods. The Archaeological and Art history collection showcases items from Thailand’s prehistory to Ayutthaya era right through to the modern Thai Kingdom, including many ancient sculptures.

Other exhibits of interest at the Bangkok National Museum include a funeral chariot hall, featuring carriages used for royal cremations and many excellent examples of Thai architecture. You’ll find the Buddhaisawan chapel, a red house called Tam Nak Deang and various beautiful pavilions. It was a really interesting experience as the museum is usually closed at night. This is somewhere worth discovering on your visit to Bangkok.

Here’s some advice
It’s easier to locate Bangkok’s National Museum with landmarks such as Thammasat University and The Royal Grand Palace nearby. Note that the museum is only open till 4pm and it was a one-off special tourism event that allowed us entry to the museum at night. Bring a portable fan or paper fan along as Bangkok can be scorching hot in the day.

Details
Address: Na Phrthat Road, Phra Borommaharachawang Sub-district, Phra Nakorn District, Bangkok 10200
Telephone Number: +66(0) 2224 1333 / +66(0) 2224 1370
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 9am to 4pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/National-Museum–67

How to get there
It’s more convenient to catch a cab to Bangkok National Museum as the majority of cab drivers know this place. You can also take the Chao Praya Express Boat to Maharaj Pier (if you want a glimpse of Bangkok’s river) before walking approximately 20 minutes to the National Museum.

I would like to thank Thai Airways, (Amazing Thailand) Tourism Authority of Thailand and the World Tourism Organization for organizing the ASEAN Bloggers Media Trip to Bangkok 2016.