Watching a movie in a theater with a high-quality projection and sound system in an air-conditioned room is a common experience today. However, in the 1930s, such an experience was considered a luxury and a symbol of modernity, available only at Sala Chalermkrung, the most advanced cinema in Asia at the time.
What is the Highlight?
1. Great history and retro-vibe photo shooting scene
Sala Chalermkrung was built in 1930 under the royal initiative of King Rama VII, who had a deep interest in cinema. Coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Bangkok, the King wished to establish a modern cinema as a symbol of the development in the Phahurat area, which was a major entertainment hub at the time.
If you are a fan of taking photos of city life and buildings, this place is one of many places which gives you the iconic modern contemporary architecture and retro vibes.
2. Big scale performance stage
Sala Chalermkrung can accommodate over 1,000 audiences per round. Despite the age of the theater and many renovations, the venue is equipped with stage technologies which elevates the experience of the show.
What to see and what to do?
Besides taking photos outside, you can come inside and watch the show as well. Although the venue no longer has scheduled movies, it remains one of the few venues that regularly stages Khon, a traditional Thai masked dance which is rare to watch.
For tourists and visitors, the ticket for Khon is bundled with the ticket to the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
The performance will be on every Monday to Friday, 3 rounds per day: 13:00-13:25, 14:30-14:55 and 16:00-16:25.
For further inquiries, please visit the website or call (+66) 2 224 4499 to the ticketing office.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
Sala Chalermkrung opens daily from 9:00-18:00.
Entrance fee:
There is no entrance fee to Sala Chalermkrung. However, if you would like to watch the stage performance, you can visit their website for further information about international shows or if you would like to experience the local show, you can visit Thai Ticket Major website which is the event ticketing agency for Sala Chalermkrung.
How to get there?
Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre is located at the heart of Pahurat area in which there are many interesting places nearby within walking distance. You can find more information about the transportation in this area from this link (ลิงก์ไปที่หน้า Pahurat section ที่เกี่ยวกับ How to get there)
By Shuttle Bus
There is a free one-way shuttle bus at Phiman Deves Gate which is located at the exit of the Grand palace. The bus will leave at 12:30, 14:00 and 15:30 which is about 30 minutes before the starting of each performance.
By MRT
Get off the train at MRT Sam Yot Station, and use exit no. 3. Walk along Charoenkrung road for about 150 meters, you will find Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre on the opposite side.
