Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

The museum was built in the 1950s specifically to hold what came out of the crypts. In 1957 thieves broke into the prang at Wat Ratchaburana and took a large quantity of gold regalia; they were caught, some of the material was recovered, and the Fine Arts Department excavated the crypt properly afterwards, finding more - votive tablets, gold plaques, ceremonial swords, a gold elephant, and jewellery of a quality that transformed understanding of Ayutthaya's wealth. Further finds came from Wat Mahathat, including a reliquary containing a relic. The best of it is displayed here in a secured gold room alongside bronzes, stone sculpture, carved panels and ceramics from the city's temples. It is a serious collection and it explains what the empty brick ruins across the island originally held, which is otherwise hard to imagine. Photography is restricted in the gold room. It closes on some weekdays.

What you actually see

• The gold room - regalia and jewellery recovered from the Wat Ratchaburana crypt.
• The 1957 theft - the break-in that led to the proper excavation and this museum.
• The Wat Mahathat finds - including the reliquary and its relic.
• The context - what the brick ruins across the island originally contained.

When to go

November to February; indoors and air-conditioned, which makes it a good midday stop between the ruins. Closed on some weekdays - check before travelling. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Closed on certain weekdays. Photography is restricted in the gold room. English labelling is partial. Ticketed separately from the historical park.

Nearby

Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat, where the finds came from, are a short ride north.