Description

Essentials about the National Museum of Royal Barges in brief

Lovers of old traditional boats should definitely have the National Museum of Royal Barges on their list of visits when traveling to Bangkok. The museum is located on Khlong Noi, a branch of the main Chao Phraya River. The museum’s boathouses display some of the finest launches of the royal fleet.

The tradition of the Royal Barges

The boats are still in use for rare ceremonies and high festivities such as the king’s birthday. The royal fleet is 52 boats strong; the eight most magnificent launches can be seen in the museum itself, the rest of the boats are located in a side dock.

The tradition of the royal fleet can be traced back to the 18th century. With the end of the monarchy in the last century, the launches were also forgotten until King Bumiphol rediscovered them in the mid-20th century. Many boats had been badly damaged or destroyed by war and neglect, but the remaining barges were lovingly restored and opened to the public.

The King’s Barge

The barges on display consist of beautifully carved wooden bodies, which are very colorfully painted. The most magnificent piece is Supphanahongse, the King’s barge, which dates back to 1911. The boat, 46 meters long and up to three meters wide, was made from a single piece of teak and decorated with gilded carvings. Colorful glass fragments provide the colorful appearance. The shape resembles a mythological swan. A pavilion on deck, also gilded, provides shelter from the sun for the royal family as they sail down the river. 50 rowers are needed to row the heavy boat on the river.

Website

Unavailable.

Opening hours

Admission fees

Regular price: B100

Permission to photograph the barges: B100

Permission to film the barges: B200

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

Ferry lines: Stops Phra Pin Klao Bridge and Thonburi Railway Station Pier

By car:

In the immediate vicinity of the National Museum of Royal Barges there are only limited parking possibilities.