National Museum of Ban Chiang — Attraction in Udon Thani Province

Ban Chiang National Museum: A Journey Through Time ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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The Ban Chiang National Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology and the origins of civilization in Southeast Asia. Located in the heart of Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into a culture that thrived over 5,000 years ago.

What makes it special:

World-class collection: The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts unearthed at the Ban Chiang archaeological site, including distinctive red-painted pottery, bronze tools, and skeletal remains. Engaging exhibits: The exhibits are well-designed and informative, presenting the archaeological findings in a clear and engaging way. You'll learn about the different periods of Ban Chiang's history, from the early agricultural settlements to the Bronze Age. Reconstructed excavation pit: A highlight of the museum is the reconstructed excavation pit, which offers a realistic view of how archaeologists uncovered the layers of history at Ban Chiang. Multimedia presentations: Interactive displays and videos enhance the learning experience, providing a deeper understanding of the significance of Ban Chiang's discoveries. Cultural context: The museum also showcases the contemporary life and traditions of the Ban Chiang community, connecting the past with the present. Tips for your visit:

Allow ample time: There's a lot to see and learn at the museum, so plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the exhibits. Hire a guide: Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the artifacts and their historical context. Visit the archaeological site: After visiting the museum, be sure to explore the actual archaeological site at Wat Pho Si Nai to see the excavation pit and burial grounds firsthand. Support local artisans: The museum has a shop where you can purchase authentic handicrafts made by local artisans, supporting the community and taking home a unique souvenir. Overall:

The Ban Chiang National Museum is a captivating journey through time, offering a window into the lives of one of Southeast Asia's earliest civilizations. It's a must-see for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring Thailand's rich...

We visited the Ban Chiang National Museum in January 2016. This archaeological museum is located ca. 50 km east of the provincial capital Udon Thani.

It is an excellent museum with an interesting collection. All items on display are described with labels in Thai and in English.

We recommend you set aside at least two hours to visit this place. There is a lot to see and to learn here.

The museum is open every day except Monday. They open at 9 AM. They close at 4 PM.

Unfortunately, I have to add two negative comments:

(1) The museum uses double pricing. A Thai citizen may enter for 30 TB, but a foreigner must pay 150 TB. The foreigner must pay five times more than a Thai citizen! How can this be fair? How can the museum think this makes the foreigner feel welcome?

(2) The museum has produced a guidebook about the collection. The book is available in Thai and in English. The price is 100 TB. We could see the book in a glass counter opposite the counter where you buy the ticket to the museum, but we could not buy the book, because the person who has the key to the counter was not present on that day! This is hard to understand. How can the director of the museum allow this situation? They have the book, but we cannot buy it, because the person who has the key is not there! The lady who sold the tickets did not care. She just said: " No staff today."

The museum is highly recommended, but the administration should be fair (no double pricing) and it should be more modern (the book shop should be open when the museum is open).

PS. Getting there: it is easy to get there if you have your own transportation. From Udon Thani go east on route 22. About 45 km east of the city there is a sign for the Ban Chiang Museum. Turn left and go north for ca. 5 km. If you do not have a car, you can take a bus going towards Sakhon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom and get off at the 45 km stone where the turn off is. You can probably get a tuk-tuk from the main road until the museum. The distance...

Firstly, the place is phenomenal with the curation of rich prehistorical artifacts over 4000 years old along with the excellent knowledge that the museum presents.

The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because I think the foreigner tickets are overpriced at 150 baht. I have visited other UNESCO Heritage sites in Thailand (Phu Phrabat, Si Thep, Ayutthaya)- where the ticket prices were 100 baht maximum.

Moreover, tourists usually visit Ban Chiang from Udon Thani which is 50km away- so up and down is 100km. I spent 500baht on this journey from Udon to Ban Chiang and back (300baht for motorbike and 200 baht on fuel).

So the extra 50 baht on top of all of this was a bit disconcerting. I understand a lot of effort and expenses went in to excavating, studying and curating towards this museum- but I feel it is unfair to push the whole burden to foreigners when Thais pay only 30 baht.

In summary- I would happily pay 100 baht entry as a foreigner for this museum. 150 baht after the 500 baht spent on transport was excessive in my opinion. Considering also the fact that other UNESCO Heritage sites in Thailand charge 100 baht.

I wish good luck to the museum and...