Royal Elephant Museum in Bangkok: the royal white elephants of Dusit (closed)
The Royal Elephant National Museum (Chang Ton) occupies former royal stables in Bangkok's Dusit district, where white elephants, sacred animals and symbols of the Thai monarchy, were kept. It told the story of these elephants and of what sets them apart. According to the sources we consulted (Wikipedia and travel sites), it is permanently closed, and we found no reopening date: do not make the trip for it without checking first. Do not confuse it with the Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan, nor with the Erawan Shrine at Ratchaprasong: these are different places.
Highlights
The former royal stables
The photo shows the building where the King of Siam kept his white elephants, now the former museum. As far as we know it can no longer be visited: see it as a witness of royal history rather than a visit to plan.
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
A few minutes away in the same royal district, this domed marble building photographs well from the square, even when the interior is closed. Worth a detour if you are already in Dusit.
Practical info
Tips
- White elephants are not necessarily albino: in Thailand, a royal white elephant is an animal with pale skin and certain specific traits that traditionally belongs to the king. We could not verify hours, prices or phone numbers for any reopening, so we do not give them. To see white elephants in the kingdom's art and history, visit the National Museum Bangkok or the decoration of the Grand Palace instead. If you want to see live elephants, we do not recommend shows or rides; our comparison of elephant sanctuaries from Bangkok presents alternatives. For the rest of the district, see the Dusit guide, the page on Vimanmek Palace (also closed) and the former Dusit Zoo. Dress code in royal areas: shoulders and knees covered.
How to get there
Dusit district, Bangkok (approximate coordinates on the map, to be confirmed on site). No BTS or metro station really serves the district: take a taxi or Grab from Siam or the old town (see getting around Bangkok).
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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