Royal Thai Air Force Museum Bangkok
Explore a vast collection of military aircraft, from historic jets to modern fighters, all for free at this unique museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Royal Thai Air Force Museum Bangkok
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast collection of military aircraft, from historic jets to modern fighters, all for free at this unique museum.
"It's a great museum, not commercial (run by the Thai airforce)."
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry is completely free, making it an amazing value for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
Kid-Approved Fun :child:
This place is a hit with kids! They love getting up close to the planes and the simulators.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
F-16B Fighting Falcon
Outdoor display
A retired F-16B, once a symbol of air power, now a static display for all to admire.
Saab JAS-39 Gripen
Hangar display
See a unique Gripen with a dual Thai and Swedish Air Force scheme, a true collector's item.
Boeing 737-200
Outdoor display
The RTAF's sole 737-200, delivered in 1983, now a testament to aviation history.
IAI-201 Arava
Outdoor display
A unique twin-engine STOL utility aircraft, one of the last of its kind.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Kid-Friendly & Underrated
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry is completely free, making it an amazing value for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
Kid-Approved Fun :child:
This place is a hit with kids! They love getting up close to the planes and the simulators.
Combine with National Memorial
Make a day of it by visiting the nearby National Memorial Museum too.
Affordable Refreshments :coffee:
Grab a drink at the on-site coffee shop – a can of Coke was only 13 baht!
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry is completely free, making it an amazing value for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
Kid-Approved Fun :child:
This place is a hit with kids! They love getting up close to the planes and the simulators.
Combine with National Memorial
Make a day of it by visiting the nearby National Memorial Museum too.
Affordable Refreshments :coffee:
Grab a drink at the on-site coffee shop – a can of Coke was only 13 baht!
Unique Aircraft Displays :airplane:
See rare planes like the F-5B and the RTAF-5, some being the last of their kind.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Royal Thai Air Force Museum is a surprisingly extensive and impressive collection of military aircraft, notable for its completely free admission and non-commercial atmosphere. Visitors praise the ability to get close to the planes and the engaging exhibits, making it a hit with families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
"It isn’t flashy or touristy. Tucked behind Don Mueang Airport, it's a bit out of the city center, but that adds to its charm.
Inside, you'll wander through five hangar-style buildings plus outdoor displays—around 50 aircraft spanning early biplanes to modern jets . It’s quietly fascinating.
You’ll also find helicopters, supporting aircraft, historic uniforms, flight sim gear, and interactive displays in air-conditioned halls.
If you’re into aviation or curious about Thai military history, this place is a quiet gem. It’s low-key, filled with rare aircraft, and reasonably done—plus, you can climb into many open cockpits. Give yourself an hour or two, preferably in the morning to beat heat or crowds. For aviation buffs and history fans, it’s a really rewarding stop."
Kirandeep Walia
"This has got to be one of the best aircraft museums in the world without fear of exaggeration! It has so many aircraft of such a wide variety some within buildings and others outside for easy viewing.
Most have clear signage in English.
Access right inside a number of the large planes
On top of that, it’s free!
And the cafe is brilliant!
You could easily spend a couple of hours here."
Adrian McCormick
"Impressive, Great Value and Historical. Some Plane that lost from U.S. Museum but can found here. Corsair The Legendary from WWII, Spitfire, C-130 Hercules, Huey, C-123 Provider, Harrier, F-5, F-16, Cuseder. All my child dream. This museum is great value to Visit. And this museum tell about foundation of Thai royal sirforce. And this museum no entry fee...it free!"
Ken Journeys of Life
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located near Don Mueang Airport (DMK). You can take a taxi or a Grab car. Public buses also serve the area. Some visitors suggest combining it with a visit to the National Memorial Museum, which is a short drive away.
It's located at 171 Soi Phahonyothin 7, Bang Khen, Bangkok. While not in the absolute city center, it's accessible via taxi or ride-sharing services.
Yes, absolutely! While one Reddit user mentioned a guard making it clear they were a 'farang' (foreigner), the museum is open to all visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best part? Admission is completely free! It's a fantastic value for such an extensive collection of aircraft.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check closer to your visit. Some sources suggest it's open daily, but it's always wise to confirm.
No advance booking is required as entry is free. Just show up and explore the impressive collection of aircraft.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a wide variety, including fighter jets like the F-16B and JAS-39 Gripen, historical planes like the Boeing 737-200 and IAI-201 Arava, helicopters, and even VTOL jets like the Royal Thai Navy AV-8S Matador. 
Yes, the museum often has flight simulators available, which are a big hit, especially with younger visitors.
It's highly recommended for families! Kids love the close-up views of the aircraft and the simulators. It's an underrated attraction for children.
Many visitors report being able to get very close to the aircraft, allowing for great photo opportunities and a real sense of scale.
Besides aircraft, you can also see artillery, radar equipment, and exhibits detailing Thailand's role in WWII.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The outdoor displays offer great chances to capture the full scale of the aircraft. The unique paint schemes, like the dual-scheme Gripen, make for striking shots.
Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions within the hangars.
The retired F-16B and the unique JAS-39 Gripen with its dual livery are particularly photogenic. The older aircraft like the Boeing 737-200 also have a classic appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many visitors report that children love getting close to the planes and that the museum is an 'underrated attraction' for them. It's a great way to spark an interest in aviation and history in a fun, engaging way. You can easily spend a few hours here, and the affordable on-site coffee shop is perfect for a quick break.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
+2The museum's non-commercial nature means you can often get very close to the exhibits, providing excellent opportunities for detailed photography and appreciation of the engineering. The historical context, including displays on WWII and various equipment, adds depth to the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Fleet Through Time: Key Aircraft on Display
Beyond the fighters, you'll find significant transport and utility aircraft. The Boeing 737-200 is a notable piece, being the RTAF's only aircraft of this type, delivered new in 1983. Another fascinating exhibit is the IAI-201 Arava, a twin-engine STOL utility aircraft, with some sources noting it as one of the last of its kind. For those interested in early jet technology, the Royal Thai Navy AV-8S Matador (a variant of the Harrier) offers a glimpse into VTOL capabilities.
+2Many of these aircraft are displayed outdoors, allowing visitors to get remarkably close and appreciate their engineering. Some planes, like the F-5B variant, are noted for their longevity, serving for decades. The museum also features less common types, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for any aviation enthusiast.
Beyond the Planes: The Museum Experience
The museum also houses exhibits detailing Thailand's military history, including its role in World War II. You can find displays of artillery and radar equipment, providing context to the air force's operational capabilities throughout different eras. This broader historical perspective makes the museum a more comprehensive educational destination.
Adding to the visitor experience, the museum has a coffee shop offering refreshments at very reasonable prices, with a can of Coke noted at just 13 baht. This makes it easy to spend a good portion of the day exploring without needing to leave for snacks. The overall atmosphere is described as non-commercial and run by the Air Force itself, contributing to its authentic feel.
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