The National Theatre in Bangkok – The heart of Thai performing arts

Resting on the Na Phra That Road in Bangkok, adjoining the National Museum as well as the Thammasat University sits the imposing National Theater of Thailand.

Portraying Thai architecture, the theater’s facade is adorned in pastel shades, with its red roof decorated with golden eaves. The edifice is divided into 3 wings, where one wing houses a sizable auditorium and a Sala (open pavilion) where outdoor musical performances are held. Another wing has a small theater hosting small dance performances while the third wing is used for holding workshops for theater technicians.

A variety of shows are hosted in the National Theater, where the spotlight performances go to traditional Thai drama and dances including Khon dance-dramas. The highest out of the 6 forms of traditional Thai dances is the Khon dance form, where performances are mostly based on the Ramekian stories, the Thai edition of the Hindu epic - Ramayana.

The costumes and masks of the dancers are exquisitely and elaborately adorned, and becomes a spectacular sight when they dazzle under the stage lights. The Khon dance-drama incorporates a fine blend of dancing, acting, acrobatics and singing backed by fascinating native folklore music. These performances are entirely in the Thai language and usually take a longer time than other regular performances.

The theater is open to the public throughout the year and it also hosts a wide spectrum of international performances as well. If you wish to watch Thai shows in particular, you need to visit the premises on the last Fridays and Saturdays of any month. You can receive a synopsis of the drama along with the printed program schedule, especially for dramas performed only in Thai language.

As a promotion of their traditional performing arts, you will be delighted to discover their captivating Khon masks, of various sizes, for sale in the neighborhood of the National Theater. They make an ideal souvenir to take home or gift your friends and family.

By reserving a luxury Bangkok serviced apartment you can conveniently visit the National Theater as well as many key attractions in Bangkok including the National Museum adjoining the National Theater. Bangkok apartments are tastefully decorated complemented with an opulent ambience. You can take pleasure in the modern conveniences provided at a Bangkok serviced apartment whilst savoring their delicious cosmopolitan delicacies.