Old Town Guide · Pranakorn Heritage Hotel
Bangkok Old Town with Kids: A Family Day of Culture, Food and Discovery
A journey into the past, a taste of traditional Thai sweets, and a colourful performance starring Thailand’s famous monkey hero
3 Family Stops Best Tuesday–Friday Back at the Hotel by Mid-Afternoon
Exploring Bangkok Old Town with kids can be a lovely way to share new experiences as a family. Between its temples and historic streets, you will find places where children can discover Thai culture through stories, music and play.
This family itinerary from Pranakorn Heritage Hotel brings together three stops: Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, The Old Siam Plaza and Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. There is time to explore, enjoy lunch and return to the hotel for an afternoon rest.
Dressing up in old Bangkok at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
Your Family Day at a Glance
Recommended days: Tuesday–Friday, when both the exhibition hall and the regular Khon performances are operating.
Suggested Schedule
9:15 AM Arrive at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall and arrange tickets
9:30–11:30 AM Explore Exhibition Route 2
11:30 AM–12:00 PM Enjoy the view of Loha Prasat, then travel to The Old Siam Plaza
12:00–1:45 PM Have lunch, browse the shops and try Thai desserts
1:45–2:15 PM Walk to Sala Chalermkrung and arrange admission
2:30–2:55 PM Watch the Hanuman Khon performance
From 3:00 PM Return to Pranakorn Heritage Hotel, with an optional detour past the Giant Swing and Khaosan Road
This is a suggested schedule. Allow extra time for traffic, tickets and little ones who need a break.
Morning: Step into the Past at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
Start your day at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, also known as Nitas Rattanakosin. It introduces the history of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin era through architecture, royal heritage, art and everyday Thai life.
Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (Nitas Rattanakosin)
For families, the appeal is in the way these stories come to life. Recreated settings and interactive displays give children something to discover, while the cool indoor surroundings offer a comfortable break from Bangkok’s heat.
There are two exhibition routes, each taking approximately two hours, with guided sections at scheduled times. Route 1 explores the history, arts and traditions of Rattanakosin. For this family outing, we chose Route 2, which includes The Colorful Thai Way of Living and The Heart and Soul of the Nation. Explore the exhibition routes.
Tickets in hand and ready to explore
Why the Children Loved Route 2
The experience begins with an indoor boat journey through scenes of life along the river, offering a glimpse of how people in old Bangkok once lived.
Riverside life in old Bangkok, told through scenes and models
Along the way, recreated coffee shops, a barber shop and an old cinema make the past feel wonderfully close. On our visit, the vintage jukebox was a particular favourite — the children loved trying the buttons and discovering something from another generation.
The vintage jukebox — the children’s favourite stop
A coffee shop, a barber shop and a traditional store from another era
The route also introduces the kings of the Chakri dynasty and their contributions to Thailand. After the exhibition, we finished our visit with a beautiful view of Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanatdaram, its distinctive spires rising above the neighbourhood.
Looking out to Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanatdaram
It was a morning of small discoveries, shared stories and a different perspective on the city.
Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall: Visitor Information
Opening days Tuesday–Sunday; closed Mondays
Opening hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tour departures Every 30 minutes, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM; 12 departures daily
Visit duration Approximately 2 hours per route
Admission THB 100 for international visitors; THB 70 for Thai visitors
Free admission Children up to 120 cm tall; eligible students through undergraduate level; visitors aged 60 and over; and visitors with disabilities
Supporting documents Bring student identification or proof of age where applicable
Telephone +66 (0)2 621 0044
See the official visitor information for admission conditions. International families should ask about English-language support and concession eligibility when arranging their visit.
Visiting at the Weekend?
The venue lists free youth performances on Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:00–1:30 PM. Enjoy the exhibition in the morning and stay for the performance before heading to lunch. The regular weekday Khon programme below would need to be planned for another day.
Lunchtime: Thai Flavours at The Old Siam Plaza
Next, take a short car ride to The Old Siam Plaza. Allow approximately 5–10 minutes in light traffic, with extra time during busier periods.
This historic shopping destination is a welcoming stop for lunch and traditional Thai desserts. Take your time browsing the food stalls, choose something for everyone, and let the children pick a sweet treat to share. The variety makes tasting unfamiliar food part of the day’s adventure. Discover The Old Siam Plaza.
Where to Eat
Explore the Thai sweet stalls on the ground level, and head to
Bamrung Mueang Market on the third floor if you would like more meal choices and a seating area.
View the food court details.
Afternoon: Meet Hanuman at Sala Chalermkrung
After lunch, walk to nearby Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre for an introduction to Khon, Thailand’s traditional masked dance drama.
Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre
The performance follows Hanuman, the monkey warrior from the Ramakien, Thailand’s version of the Ramayana. Elaborate costumes, expressive movements and live Thai music bring the story to life.
Meeting the guardians outside, then finding our seats
At approximately 25 minutes, the performance is a manageable introduction to Thai theatre for many children. English and Chinese subtitles help international visitors follow the story. Read about the performance.
Hanuman and the Khon cast on stage
Sala Chalermkrung: Performance Information
Regular performance days Monday–Friday
Showtimes 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM
Duration Approximately 25 minutes
International admission THB 400 per person
Thai admission THB 100 per person
Children Free admission is advertised for children under 12; confirm eligibility for international children when booking
Telephone +66 (0)2 224 4499
Return to Your Family Base in Bangkok Old Town
After a day of history, new flavours and theatre, head back to Pranakorn Heritage Hotel for a little downtime.
If everyone still has energy, ask your driver to take a route past the Giant Swing and the Khaosan Road neighbourhood for another glimpse of old Bangkok before returning.
For families looking for a hotel near Grand Palace attractions and the cultural sights of Bangkok Old Town, Pranakorn Heritage Hotel offers a welcoming base. Our Family Quadruple Room accommodates up to four guests, while Suan Dek, our Kids’ Room, gives children space to play and explore their imagination.
From a vintage jukebox to a monkey hero on stage, the most memorable moments are often the discoveries you make together.
Opening hours, performances, admission prices and concession conditions may change. Please confirm details with each venue before your visit.
Your Family Base in Bangkok Old Town
Plan Your Family Stay at Pranakorn Heritage Hotel
Discover Bangkok Old Town at your own pace — with a Family Quadruple Room for up to four and Suan Dek, our Kids’ Room, waiting back at the hotel.
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Tags: Bangkok Old Town with Kids Family Travel Bangkok Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall The Old Siam Plaza Sala Chalermkrung Khon Performance Pranakorn Heritage Hotel
