Royal Barges National Museum is located on the northern rim of Bangkok Noi canal in the Bangkok Noi District. The royal barges from the royal procession are kept in the museum. It is under the care of the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Royal Thai Navy. Even though the barges underwent several bombing damage during world war II, it was finally taken under by the Fine Arts department as a part of the Thai cultural heritage.
Opening Hour
The Royal Barges National Museum in Bangkok is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on public holidays. Last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing. It’s best to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful views of the royal boats.
Entry Fee to Royal Barges National Museum
The entrance fee for the Royal Barges National Museum is 100 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children. Additional fees may apply if you want to take photos or videos inside. It’s an affordable way to explore Thailand’s royal history and craftsmanship.
Location & Directions
The Royal Barges National Museum is located in the Bangkok Noi district, along the Chao Phraya River. To reach there, you can take a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Pinklao Pier or Tha Chang Pier, then a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride. You can also get there by longtail boat through Bangkok’s canals. You can exit from the same entrance gate you used to enter the museum.
Museums nearby Royal Barges
| Museum Name | Museum Name |
|---|---|
| Jim Thompson House Museum | National Museum Bangkok |
| Museum Siam | Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok) |
| Bangkokian Museum | Science Center for Education (Planetarium Bangkok) |
| The Erawan Museum | Royal Barges National Museum |
| Siriraj Medical Museum | Suan Pakkad Palace Museum |
| Royal Thai Air Force and National Aviation Museum | Children’s Discovery Museum |
Museum regulations
- Before entering the museum show the ticket to the staff present in the entrance of the museum
- Shoes must be opened before entering the museum
- Pets are not allowed inside the museum
- Food and beverages are not allowed inside the premises
- Bags must be kept in the locker area
- Selfies, flash, video recording are not allowed inside the museum
- There is additional fee for taking pictures inside the museum
- Smoking is not allowed inside the museum
- You should dress modestly. Sleeveless shorts and shirts are usually prohibited. Women should make sure that their skirts extends below their knee
Is the Royal Barges National Museum worth visiting?
Yes, it is worth a visit especially if you are someone really interested in Thai culture, royal ceremonies and craftsmanship. You will find unique barges specially the olden Suphannahong and the detailed Narai Song Suban which are the testament of Thai craftsmanship. This museum is less crowded as compared to other museums which make it more peaceful and relaxed. Thus, it is a must visit if you want to delve into the rich history of Bangkok.
History of Royal Barges National Museum
The royal barge procession is a very special event. It usually takes place during the Tod Kathin Festival. During this time the king gives new robes to the monks at Wat Arun. It was once held on a grand level during the 2003 APEC Conference in Bangkok and was shown live to many countries around the world. The boats used in the procession are beautifully decorated and detailed. The boats are kept in the museum.
The most important and impressive boat is the King’s personal barge, called Suphanahong. It is 46 meters long and was built from a single tree in 1911. The boat is covered with gold decoration and colourful glass. It is rowed by 54 men who paddle in rhythm with a drummer. There are 52 boats in the royal barge and each one is a unique piece of art. The front of each boat has a different figure, such as a Garuda (a sacred bird), Hanuman (the monkey god), or Naga (a seven-headed serpent).