National Aviation Museum at Don Muang, a fun day out! (video)
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Fans of everything related to (military) aviation should definitely pay a visit to the National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force, formerly known as the RTAF.
The Royal Thai Air Force Museum underwent a name change in 2014 after the museum was upgraded. The facilities and exhibitions have been adapted and this appears to be a huge improvement. The museum contains all kinds of aircraft, both past and present, and is an interesting day out for enthusiasts. The museum is located next to Don Muang Airport just outside Bangkok.
The National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force is a fascinating destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs. Established in 1952, the museum features an impressive collection of aircraft from different eras, all in excellent condition.
Visitors can take a journey through time, starting from the humble origins of the Royal Thai Air Force in the early 1910s, to its current status as a modern military power. The museum has a wide variety of aircraft on display, including historic fighter aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire, the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat, the Republic F-84G Thunderjet, and the North American F-86 Sabre. There are also several helicopters on display, such as the Westland WS-51 Dragonfly, Sikorsky H-19A Chickasaw, and Bell UH-1H Iroquois.
The museum is not only a treasure trove of aviation history, but also offers insight into the development of the air force in Thailand. It is designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive timeline of the Royal Thai Air Force, from its humble beginnings in the 1910s to modern times.
An added benefit is that admission to the museum is free, although there are donation boxes at the entrance for those who wish to contribute to the preservation of this historical heritage. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 15:30 PM, except on Sundays. Located on Phahonyothin Road, close to Don Mueang Airport, the museum is easily accessible and close to a Skytrain station.
Video: National Aviation Museum at Don Muang
Watch the video here:
I went there at the beginning of this year, by bus from MoChit (BTS Skytrain) first to Dong Muang, just past Don Muang is the National Memorial (อนุสรณ์สถานแห่งชาติ). The bus stops in front of the door. Here you can find a (nationalistic colored) historiography of the Thai armed forces and kings, outside are a few old vehicles.
Then take the bus on the other side back to BKK center, then get off in front of the aviation museum งชาติ). The BTS connection is being built on this road, so in a few years you can get off with the BTS in front of the door.
Both are affiliated with the Muse Pass (Thai museum annual pass):
http://privilege.museumsiam.org/index.php?mode=musepass&page=museum&fdNum=172#.W0NGYv4UneE
Bsu No. 34, 39, 114, 356
http://privilege.museumsiam.org/index.php?mode=musepass&page=museum&fdNum=182#.W0NGgP4UneE
Bus No. 29, 34, 39, 59, 95, 188, 356, ปอ.503, ปอ.504, ปอ.510, ปอ.529, ปอ.554, ปอ.555
After the last extension, the BTS is almost there and the bus/taxi ride has become a lot shorter.
Take bus 39 or 522 direction. Rangsit and after the hustle and bustle of the market in Sapan Mai (= Nieuwebrug) it is only a very short stretch.
There is even a city bus line of the Air Force itself: dark gray buses, open to everyone, that run a kind of circle every 15 minutes From SapanMai-museum-Don Muang airport-and back.
In 2022, the BTS Sukhumvit Line will now stop right in front of it (Khwaeng Sanambin, Khet Don Mueang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10210, Thailand).
Royal Thai Air Force Museum stop. From Nana BTS Station a good hour trains (24 stops).
Best regards,
FrankyR