Floral motifs have decorated Thai culture for centuries, as offerings to the divine as well as the basis for a magical light festival on the waters of the Chao Phraya River, the Loi Krathong Festival, and the Museum of Floral Culture showcases this unique aspect of the country’s culture. When you’re in the city for either business or leisure, make sure your stay is just as pleasing by indulging in one of the fine luxury hotels Bangkok has to offer its visitors. Consider checking into the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn as its gracious hospitality and central location make it an ideal Bangkok hotel to host your stay. During your visit here, make time to venture to the Museum of Floral Culture, and explore the graceful influence of budding and blossomed blooms on Thailand’s vibrant history, as well as the histories of countries in the Southeast Asian and South Asian sphere. The ingenious conception of acclaimed Thai floral artist Sakul Intakul, it provides a fascinating glimpse of flower appreciation across several nations and is housed in a charming century-old mansion made of teak boasting the sumptuous trappings of colonial architecture. The grounds of this splendid museum cover an expansive space of 1,800 square metres, and it features the unique landscaped style of a Thai-meets-Zen-garden. Visitors can take part in any of three tours conducted in English, Japanese and Thai. Some of the fascinating exhibits include the Dusit Gallery, featuring archived photographs that capture the country’s floral culture from as far back as the reign of King Rama V and the Heritage of Thai Flower culture, which beautifully details the influence of flowers on the country’s culture. In addition, the Temple of Flowers provides intriguing connections between human cultures and the natural world, and the highlight is the Garden, a living, exquisitely-landscaped garden with a Thai pavilion as well as auspiciously-positioned trees and shrubs, providing the connection between Thai spirituality and nature. The museum also features a shop offering an array of floral-themed souvenirs, postcards and other items perfect for gifts or a personal treat. Or relax in the charming tea parlour and sample some exquisite infusions. Perfect for a few leisurely hours of a charming slice of Thai culture, the Museum of Floral Culture should be on your next travel itinerary of Bangkok.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.