Royal Barges National Museum

Unusual treasures

What we say:

The royal barges are used only rarely, when the royal family takes part in stunning processions down the Chao Phraya River.

Although the procession consists of 26 boats, only a handful of these are designated as royal with others performing the roles of escorts. The National Museum of Royal Barges displays eight of the boats used in these processions, the oldest of which is nearly 100-years-old.

Each royal barge is intricately decorated with coloured paint and metallic and reflected inlays, each boat displaying a different mythological figure or decoration at its head. The barges stretch for up to 50 metres in length, requiring over 60 crew per boat. The largest barge on display, Suphannahong, is used by the King himself.

The sheds which contain the barges also hold somewhat shabby displays of other items such as the Royal Lean Pillow and the Royal Footrest.

More details

Khlong Bangkok Noi, Thonburi
Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-17:00
How to get there: The barges are located a short distance up Khlong Bangkok Noi, off the Chao Phraya River. The museum is usually a part of khlong tours, but can be viewed easily on your own as well. Catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat to N12, or if coming from the Khao San area take the cheaper cross-river ferry from underneath Pinklao Bridge. Then walk up the road 100 metres and take the first left on Soi Wat Dusitaram. The entrance of the museum is inconspicuous, recognisable by a small sign and a couple of food vendors. The path meanders for 300 metres around local houses, but just keep going and follow the signs that pop up.

Travelfish reader reviews

There have been no reviews written by Travelfish readers so far.
Why don't you start the ball rolling?

Have your say

Review title

Snappiness encouraged ;-)

When did you visit here?

This gives your review a bit of context - especially if you were last visited in 1932.

Your review

(Remotely sensible, non-ranting comments are much appreciated. If you don't like somewhere, please explain why -- it's all far more helpful for others that way.) Serial ranters, loons and spammers will be banished!
And please, no self-promotional URLs -- that's what your signature field is for.

So how does it rate?

On a scale of one to ten (with 10 being outstanding and 1 being bloody awful) how would you rate here?
Rating (out of 10):

Please note reviews are now pre moderated. Not all reviews will be published and submissions may be edited for clarity, typos and style before they appear. Ranting tirades, spam and anything else that really belongs somewhere else won't make the cut. If you want to rant, go to Thorntree.

Please login and refresh this screen before writing your review -- thanks!