Simply Bhutan Thimphu
A living museum showcasing Bhutanese village life, traditions, and arts with interactive dances, archery, and local tastings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Simply Bhutan Thimphu
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A living museum showcasing Bhutanese village life, traditions, and arts with interactive dances, archery, and local tastings.
"A must-visit to understand Bhutan’s rich heritage in a short time."
🎯 Embrace the Interactive Fun
Don't be shy! Participate in the dances and try archery for a truly memorable experience.
💰 Value for Money?
Entry fees are noted as high, but many find the cultural immersion and unique activities worthwhile.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Dance Performances
Witness captivating folk dances and music that bring Bhutan's rich cultural heritage to life. A true spectacle!
Archery Experience
Try your hand at Bhutan's national sport and celebrate with a victory dance if you hit the target!
Local Rice Wine Tasting
Savor 'arra', a traditional Bhutanese rice wine, and enjoy butter tea and sweet rice as part of the cultural immersion.
Interactive Village Life Exhibits
Explore traditional Bhutanese homes, learn about ancient customs, and see artifacts used in daily life and festivals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Immerse Yourself in Bhutanese Culture
Timing and Ticketing Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Interactive Fun
Don't be shy! Participate in the dances and try archery for a truly memorable experience.
💰 Value for Money?
Entry fees are noted as high, but many find the cultural immersion and unique activities worthwhile.
📸 Insta-worthy Moments
The vibrant traditional attire and cultural displays offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🍷 Taste of Bhutan
Enjoy the complimentary 'arra' (rice wine) and butter tea; you can often have more if you like!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Interactive Fun
Don't be shy! Participate in the dances and try archery for a truly memorable experience.
💰 Value for Money?
Entry fees are noted as high, but many find the cultural immersion and unique activities worthwhile.
📸 Insta-worthy Moments
The vibrant traditional attire and cultural displays offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🍷 Taste of Bhutan
Enjoy the complimentary 'arra' (rice wine) and butter tea; you can often have more if you like!
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
During peak times, you might need to wait for your turn for demonstrations and activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Simply Bhutan as a wonderful cultural immersion, highlighting the engaging traditional dances, archery, and local wine tasting. The informative guides and interactive nature of the 'living museum' are frequently commended. However, some find the entry fee steep for the relatively short duration of the experience.
"A wonderful cultural experience!
Simple Bhutan truly feels like a living museum. It beautifully showcases traditional Bhutanese life, architecture, and customs. The guided tour was informative and fun — we even tried local wine and archery! A must-visit to understand Bhutan’s rich heritage in a short time."
Sidharth Agarwal
"I loved this mini Bhutan tour, it was amazing... especially I loved the part where we witnessed their Traditional dance with their food. And engaging us to dance with them. Wine Tasting was also good... unlimited wine we can take to taste it.
Second appreciation for the guide we had, Sonam
He was great at his work, he explained all the details properly and was engaging with guests in a fun way which made my guests happy and they enjoyed his company.
Next best part was the Archery game and the celebration.
Hope to visit Bhutan soon and enjoy simply Bhutan again.!!!!"
Akrutee
"As the name placard says, Simply Bhutan is a living museum. It shows life in Bhutanese village - how they build house, cook (utensils used), prepare butter tea, store food, their traditional dance, art, and sports (archery). They serve arra (a sort of rice wine) as welcome drink in a small bowl to taste (not for kids). You can drink more if you like it. This is done in batches when it is crowded and you might to have to wait for some time for your turn to get in after buying the ticket. Simply Bhutan's staff are the guides here. All the staff are dressed in traditional dress of Kira(women) and Go(men). They show how they preserve butter in bamboo boxes for months! (The temperature is pretty low in Thimpu, probably that helps in preserving). You can donate to a disabled artist if you'd like. They then make us seated in sofas and men and women dance to Bhutanese songs. We are served (including kids) butter tea and sweet rice. After couple of dance, we're given opportunity to dance with them (to watch and follow). It was fun! Next, we get chance to try archery. If you manage to hit the target board, they perform a victory dance for you! There's a wishing pond at the exit. You take 5 coins and they spin an empty bowl on top of water. You make a wish and try to throw the coin inside bowl. It's said that if the coin falls and stays inside the bowl, your wish will come true! It was a great way to visualize and experience Bhutanese culture. A lot of people depend on tourism for their livelihood and the cost of living is high(a traditional dress costs 7000inr and upwards!), so I understand the expensive entry fees. Here, I felt it was worth it."
Namana M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Simply Bhutan is located in the heart of Thimphu, making it easily accessible. You can take a taxi or walk from most central Thimphu locations. Many visitors include it as part of their city sightseeing tours.
Simply Bhutan is in Thimphu, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Paro International Airport. Most visitors arrange transport through their tour operator or hire a taxi for the journey to Thimphu.
Taxis are readily available and affordable in Thimphu for getting around. Many hotels can also arrange private transport for your day's activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Simply Bhutan is approximately 1000 Bhutanese Ngultrum (NU). While some visitors find it a bit high for the duration, many agree the immersive cultural experience justifies the cost.
It's generally not necessary to book tickets in advance, especially if you're visiting during weekdays. However, during peak tourist seasons or weekends, arriving a bit earlier might be advisable to avoid potential queues.
Simply Bhutan is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or inquire locally for any seasonal changes or holiday closures.
Information on specific discounts for children or groups is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly with Simply Bhutan upon arrival or through your tour operator for the most accurate details.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Simply Bhutan, and it's a great place for capturing vibrant cultural moments. The traditional attire and performances make for excellent photo opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's always respectful to be mindful of performers and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography during demonstrations and ask for permission if you wish to photograph individuals up close.
The areas showcasing traditional Bhutanese homes, the archery range, and during the folk dance performances offer the most picturesque backdrops. The vibrant traditional clothing worn by staff also adds to the visual appeal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Simply Bhutan offers a taste of authentic Bhutanese cuisine, often including butter tea and sweet rice served after the cultural performances. They also offer a tasting of 'arra', a local rice wine.
Yes, a tasting of 'arra' (rice wine) is typically included in the entry fee as a welcome drink. You may have the opportunity to taste more if you wish.
While the focus is on traditional Bhutanese experiences, they do serve butter tea and sweet rice which are generally suitable for children. If you require specific child-friendly meals, it's best to check in advance.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Simply Bhutan is a living museum showcasing traditional Bhutanese village life, architecture, customs, and arts. You can witness folk dances, try archery, taste local rice wine, and learn about Bhutanese heritage.
A visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much you engage with the activities and demonstrations. Some visitors feel it's a quick 20-minute experience, while others spend longer enjoying the interactive elements.
The exhibits are generally on a single level, but some areas might involve uneven ground or steps. It's advisable to check accessibility details directly with Simply Bhutan if you have specific mobility concerns.
Absolutely! The staff are dressed in traditional attire and act as guides, often engaging visitors in dances and explaining customs. They are a key part of the immersive experience.
At the exit, there's a wishing pond where you can toss coins into a spinning bowl for good luck, a fun tradition to end your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the entry fee might seem high, the engaging nature of the activities can keep children entertained and provide them with a memorable introduction to Bhutanese culture. It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and offer a hands-on cultural lesson.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the details of the traditional clothing, the expressions during the dances, and the action shots during the archery. The staff are often happy to pose for photos, adding to the photographic appeal.
✈️ Day-Trippers in Thimphu
+1Allocate about 1-2 hours for your visit to fully appreciate the demonstrations and interactive activities. It's a perfect way to experience the essence of Bhutanese traditions before heading back to your next destination.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Bhutanese Culture
+1The experience often begins with a warm welcome, including a taste of 'arra', Bhutan's traditional rice wine, served in a small bowl. This is followed by demonstrations of traditional Bhutanese dances and music, which are a highlight for many visitors. You'll also have the opportunity to try archery, Bhutan's national sport, and if you're lucky enough to hit the target, you'll be treated to a celebratory dance.
Beyond the performances and activities, Simply Bhutan showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture, artifacts, and daily life items. You can learn about their methods of food preservation, cooking utensils, and the significance of various items used in festivals. The staff, all dressed in traditional 'Kira' (for women) and 'Go' (for men), play a crucial role in guiding visitors and bringing the cultural narrative to life.
The Significance of Traditional Attire and Arts
+1Simply Bhutan also provides insights into Bhutanese arts and crafts. While not always a primary focus, demonstrations or displays of traditional art forms, such as painting or calligraphy, might be available. These elements contribute to the overall understanding of Bhutan's artistic heritage and the skills passed down through generations.
The folk dances performed are a crucial part of Bhutanese cultural expression, often depicting stories from folklore, history, or religious themes. These performances are energetic and colorful, offering a visual feast and a deeper appreciation for Bhutan's performing arts. The opportunity to learn and even participate in these dances makes the experience even more memorable.
+1
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