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Visit Royal Barges National Museum (Bangkok)

Overview Royal Barges National Museum

Thai name : พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ เรือพระราชพิธี
GPS : 13.761940213411092, 100.48458561502468 (See on the map)
My opinion :

The National Museum of Royal Barges in Bangkok is a former royal shipyard transformed into a national museum in 1974. Located along the Bangkok Noi canal, it houses a collection of the most beautiful royal barges, masterpieces of traditional Thai craftsmanship. These century-old barges, perfectly maintained, are still used today for the procession of the Royal Barges which mark major royal events. The last 2 took place in September 2019 and October 2024.

Do not expect a very large collection, the museum mainly exhibits 4 royal barges: the royal barge Suphannahong, the royal barge Narai Song Suban, the royal barge Anantanakarat of King Rama IX and the royal barge Anekchat Phuchong with ships with a pantomime. These are historical masterpieces.

Practical information about Royal Barges National Museum

The Royal Barge Museum is open every day from 9am to 5pm (closed on New Year's and Songkran days). But be careful, the water level depends on the tides and it may actually be closed at low tide if the level is too low. So I recommend going in the afternoon (after 2pm).

How to get to Royal Barges National Museum ?

In general, people go to the Royal Barge Museum in Bangkok by boat on the Chao Phraya River, but you can also go there on foot via the Arun Amarin or Phra Pinklao bridges on the Thonburi side. Whatever happens, don't hesitate to walk around the museum. The neighborhood with its small streets in a small village style is very exotic and pleasant! You can take the opportunity to visit the Wat Dusidaram Worawihan and Wat Phumarin Ratchapaksi temples. If you go there on foot, the museum's wharf can also be the starting point for a longtail boat tour on the klongs, the canals of Bangkok (see next to the entrance or via the person who sells the tickets).

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