National Library

Bangkok


The country’s largest repository of books has few foreign-language resources, but its strength is in its astrological books and star charts. The collection also holds recordings by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, sacred palm-leaf writings and ancient maps.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bangkok attractions

1. Thewet Market

0.17 MILES

This busy wet market is a prime place to study the mind-boggling array of local culinary produce that embodies the essence and identity of Bangkok's…

2. Wat Thevarat Kunchorn

0.24 MILES

The origins of this riverside Buddhist temple located near Thewet Pier date back to pre-Ratanakosin days, but it was successively built upon and renovated…

3. Rama V Memorial

0.52 MILES

The bronze figure on horseback is Rama V (King Chulalongkorn; r 1868–1910), the monarch widely credited for steering the country into the modern age and…

4. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

0.54 MILES

The domed neoclassical building behind the Rama V Memorial was originally built as a royal reception hall during the reign of Rama V, but wasn't completed…

5. Dusit Palace Park

0.62 MILES

Following his first European tour in 1897, Rama V (King Chulalongkorn; r 1868–1910) returned with visions of European castles and set about transforming…

6. Wat Benchamabophit

0.73 MILES

You might recognise this iconic temple from its impression on the back of the ubiquitous Thai 5B coin. Also referred to as the Marble Temple, it was…

8. Wat Bowonniwet

0.89 MILES

Founded in 1826, Wat Bowonniwet (known colloquially as Wat Bowon) is the national headquarters for the Thammayut monastic sect, a reformed version of Thai…