Royal Barge Museum, Bangkok: Discover Historical Maritime Marvels

Learn the history behind the barges

The historically significant museum hosts 51 royal barges which are said to have been used regularly by members of the royal family to travel all around their kingdom. Each barge differs from the other in shape, design and purpose. The museum explains the historical background of each barge. Most prominent among these barges is the one referred to as the Golden Swan. You can also find a barge that was designed specifically to commemorate the monarch’s 50th anniversary to the royal throne. Explore the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exotic cuisine with our exclusive Thailand holiday packages, offering an unforgettable journey through this enchanting Southeast Asian destination.

Capture Barge-ous pictures

The museum also has a section dedicated to exhibition of the traditional attire of oarsmen. Have a look at the customary uniforms of officers of the Siam kingdom while you are down there. The huge royal barges packed neatly make an excellent backdrop for your ‘I was here’ photographs. Some of these barges have beautiful golden patterns carved upon them which would make an excellent aesthetic up close!

• The museum shelters 51 royal barges that were earlier used by the rulers of the country to travel all around their kingdom 
• Before being restored as a Thai cultural heritage, this museum was used as a dry dock for warships and barges by the royal family
• Legend has it that there were thousands of royal barges that the kingdom used in the ancient time but most of it was burned to the ground when the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya
• The use of barges by the royal family as a means of transport was largely discarded after the people’s movement in Thailand in the year 1932
• The most important one among all of these barges put on display is the one named Supannahong which can be translated to Golden Swan

The museum is open on all days throughout the year except for new year’s eve, new year’s day, and Songkran (13th to 15th of April). The visiting hours are between 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. 

The entrance fee is 100 Baht. 

Photography and videography is allowed but you would have to pay 100 Baht for a still camera and 200 Baht for a video camera

Since the museum is located on the Chao Phraya river, the best way to reach it is by water.

• You could take the Chao Phraya express boat and get down at the Pinklao bridge pier stopping. From here it is a short walk to the museum. 
• You could also choose to hire a motorbike or river taxi at the mouth of the river directly to the museum.
• There are several bus routes that will take near the museum, however if you choose to go by the public bus you will have to include about 5-10 minutes of walking or motorbike

Siriraj medical museum

Not very far from the royal barge museum in Bangkok is the Siriraj medical museum. This is also called the ‘museum of death and serves as an excellent osurce of knowledge for medical professionals and students. It hosts seven smaller museums within itself specialising in medical niches.

Wat Phra Kaew

This temple is housed inside the grand palace of Bangkok. This is the primary attraction that lures tourists towards the grand palace. This temple shelters a Buddha image which can be traced back to the 14th century. You can choose to visit the temple on your own or also choose to hire a guide to help you understand the cultural significance of the elements present. There is also a museum nearby within the grand palace itself that extensively elaborates on the history of the Siam kingdom

Chao Phraya river

This river is just outside the royal barge museum. The river is lovingly called the lifeblood of the city of Bangkok. Dinner cruises and ferry rides on the Chao Phraya river are a huge tourist attraction. Check out the Chao Phraya river express boat service and get yourself a nice evening after a whole day of sightseeing in and around Bangkok. A relaxed dinner with some music and a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya river is most certainly the perfect way to end a night on your Bangkok holiday!