Simply Bhutan

Simply Bhutan is a unique living museum located in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. This cultural attraction gives visitors a chance to experience the traditional lifestyle, architecture, customs, food, and crafts of Bhutan in one place. Designed like a traditional Bhutanese village, the museum is interactive and immersive. It is operated by the Bhutan Youth Development Fund and aims to preserve the country's heritage while providing employment opportunities for young Bhutanese. Simply Bhutan is more than just a museum—it's a hands-on journey through the culture and soul of Bhutan.

How to Reach Simply Bhutan, Thimphu

Simply Bhutan is conveniently located in the heart of Thimphu city, near the Youth Development Fund building. It is easily accessible by taxi or private car, and most hotels in the city can arrange transportation. If you are staying within the city center, you can even walk there in about 10 to 15 minutes.

From Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Thimphu by car. Once you are in Thimphu, getting to Simply Bhutan is quick and straightforward. Many guided city tours also include Simply Bhutan as a stop in their itinerary.

Weather at Simply Bhutan, Thimphu

Thimphu has a moderate climate throughout the year. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather with clear skies and mild temperatures—these are the best seasons to visit. Summer (June to August) can be rainy due to the monsoon season, and winters (December to February) are chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Simply Bhutan is partly outdoors and partly sheltered, so while it can be visited year-round, it is most enjoyable during dry and sunny weather when you can explore the open-air parts comfortably.

Timings

Simply Bhutan is usually open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it's always a good idea to confirm timings through your hotel or a local guide, especially on national holidays or festival days when hours may change.

Mornings are typically quieter and offer a more relaxed experience. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to enjoy all the exhibits and activities at Simply Bhutan, depending on your level of interest.

Why Famous for Simply Bhutan, Thimphu?

Simply Bhutan is famous for offering an authentic and interactive introduction to Bhutanese life. Unlike traditional museums, this living museum invites visitors to actively participate in cultural activities. You can try on Bhutanese clothes, shoot a traditional bow and arrow, taste local butter tea (suja), learn how to distill local wine (ara), and even try your hand at weaving or crafting.

The museum also features performances of Bhutanese songs and dances by youth groups, making it a lively and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Its popularity lies in the way it makes Bhutan’s unique traditions accessible, fun, and easy to understand for tourists.

Entry and Visit Details

There is a modest entry fee to visit Simply Bhutan, which typically ranges between BTN 300 to BTN 500 for foreign tourists. The fee includes a guided tour in English or Dzongkha and access to all activities inside the museum. Local Bhutanese citizens often pay a reduced price or can enter for free on special occasions.

The ticket includes interactive demonstrations, traditional drinks, and cultural performances. Donations and purchases made at the gift shop help support the museum’s youth employment and heritage preservation programs.

History and Architecture

Simply Bhutan was established under the initiative of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund to preserve Bhutan’s traditional culture while empowering young people through job training and employment. It opened in the early 2010s and has since grown into one of the most visited cultural sites in Thimphu.

The museum is built in the style of a traditional Bhutanese village using rammed earth, timber, and stone—the same materials used in ancient Bhutanese architecture. It showcases traditional homes, courtyard structures, and storage spaces that reflect how Bhutanese families lived in rural settings.

Each section of the museum is carefully constructed to represent a different aspect of Bhutanese life, from farmhouses to religious spaces to workshops. The museum layout and building techniques also help educate visitors on Bhutan’s eco-friendly architectural heritage.

Things to Do at Simply Bhutan

• Dress up in traditional Bhutanese attire like the gho (for men) and kira (for women) and take photos.
• Try Bhutanese butter tea and local snacks like ema datshi (chili cheese).
• Watch or participate in cultural performances of traditional songs and dances.
• Try archery, Bhutan’s national sport, using traditional bows and arrows.
• Learn how to distill ara, a local rice-based alcoholic drink.
• Tour traditional farmhouses and learn about old-style cooking methods and storage.
• Participate in arts and crafts like weaving, painting, and wood carving.
• Buy local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs from the gift shop.

Facts and Tips about Simply Bhutan, Thimphu

• Simply Bhutan is operated by the Bhutan Youth Development Fund to help preserve culture and support youth employment.
• It is one of the few museums in Bhutan where you can interact directly with exhibits.
• The museum uses eco-friendly building materials and traditional methods in its construction.
• Staff members are young Bhutanese guides trained in cultural interpretation and hospitality.
• Photography is allowed throughout most of the museum—bring a good camera or phone for photos.
• Plan to spend at least an hour to fully enjoy the experience.
• The museum is accessible for people with limited mobility, though some uneven surfaces exist.
• Visit earlier in the day to avoid larger tour groups and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Royal Textile Academy or Folk Heritage Museum for a full cultural day.
• The museum also hosts events and workshops—ask at the front desk for any ongoing special programs.