The Royal Barges National Museum - A Hidden Historic Gem - Bangkok Thailand 2024

The Royal Barges Museum houses eight of the 52 historic boats that form a procession on the water during very important official ceremonies. Their appearance on the water is now extremely rare, only 16 times in the last 65 years. They are all made of teak, beautifully carved and decorated. For lovers of Thai art and history, they are a must-see.

In the past, the Chao Phraya River and related canals were the main communication route of Bangkok, including for the royal family, who had a large fleet of boats. During the Burmese attack on Ayutthaya, all the kingdom’s boats were destroyed in a fire. King Rama I had new boats built resembling those that had been lost, but this time he decided that they would be used only for ceremonial purposes, including the Katin ceremony, which was held in October or November of each year and in which the royal family would sail down the river followed by a procession of boats.

During the civil and military governments that followed the 1932 coup, many of the empire’s assets were confiscated, including the boats. In addition, many were destroyed during World War II, only to be restored when the imperial family returned to power.

The names of the four most important boats are: Suphannahongse, Anantanakaraj, Anekkachatphuchong and Narai Song Suban. The boats are made of teak wood, carved from a single log.

The museum was small but well worth it since you are seeing something that is unique to Thailand. The boats are amazing works of art as well as part of a rich history of Thailand.

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