Ban Chiang National Museum

Ban Chiang National Museum sits at Ban Chiang, Tambon Ban Chiang, Amphoe Nong Han, Udon Thani province — approximately 55 kilometres from the provincial capital. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, it preserves evidence of one of Southeast Asia’s earliest known civilisations, with occupation dating back more than 5,000 years.

The museum is divided into two sections. The first, on the right of the entrance within the grounds of Wat Pho Si Nai, is an open-air excavation display showing burial pits as they were uncovered — most earthenware vessels were interred alongside human remains. The second section, in the Galyani Vadhana building to the left, houses the permanent indoor exhibition covering Ban Chiang’s prehistory across nine themed parts, including Bronze Age tools, pottery, and ornaments. A selection of Ban Chiang pieces was famously exhibited in the United States; the building also contains a resource centre and seminar room.

Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 09:00–16:00 (closed Monday, Tuesday, and public holidays). Admission is 150 THB for foreigners and 30 THB for Thai nationals. Contact the museum on 0 4220 4340 for group visits or further information.