The National Theatre of Bangkok

Standing next to the National Museum is the National Theatre, inaugurated in 1965 as a stage dedicated to preserving and showcasing Thailand’s performing arts. This is where you can see khon, the country’s most prestigious form of theater. Performed with elaborate masks and costumes, khon retells episodes from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic, through highly codified dance movements, narration, and the dramatic sounds of a traditional orchestra. Alongside this royal art form, the theatre also hosts more popular styles, such as likay, colorful and often humorous with a touch of improvisation, and lakhon, a graceful form of dance drama without masks. Together, they reveal the richness and diversity of Thai culture, from courtly rituals to popular entertainment. Today, the National Theatre is more than just a building—it is a living stage where the past meets the present. And if you happen to come back here in the evening, you might just witness one of these unforgettable performances.