The National Royal Barge Museum

The National Royal Barge Museum is a museum in Bangkok, Thailand. It is located on the northern edge of the Bangkok Noi Canal in the Bangkok Noi district. The royal barges from the Royal Barge Procession are kept in the museum. The museum was formerly a dry dock for barges and warships under the care of the Royal Household and Royal Thai Navy heritage. Repairs were completed, and the pier became the National Royal Barge Museum in 1972.

Description:

At the Royal Barge Museum, you can discover 8 of the country’s most unique and impressive ships: the Royal Barges. Reserved for auspicious ceremonies and official occasions such as the very rare Royal Barge Procession, these boats have only appeared on the water about 16 times in the last 65 years. Each is carved from vast chunks of teak, their arches engraved with mythical creatures, gilded with gold and intricately decorated with tiny pieces of glittering glass. Rowed by up to 50 specially trained rowers, the boats roll out of their dry dock at festive times and important state occasions for spectacular processions along the river.

The Royal Barges:

There was a time in Bangkok when the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries were the main communication route, and boats were the primary transportation for everyone, including royalty. Each of the eight royal barges has a sign indicating the name, year of construction or refurbishment and the size of the crew required to operate. It’s impressive when you imagine that the most significant and crucial ship, Suphannahonse is 46 meters long and requires 50 rowers and 14 crew members! Throughout Thailand’s turbulent history, barges have often been damaged or partially destroyed by bombing or fire. Photographs and illustrations are displayed around the building showing past processions, previous ships’ remains, and the techniques used to operate the barges.

Location:

The museum is located on the banks of a prolonged (canal) that connects to the main Chao Phraya River, and there are two ways to get there. The best way is to board the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Wang Lang Pier (N10). ), then it’s a short walk to the museum. Alternatively, charter a longtail boat to explore Bangkok’s canals and add the Royal Barge Museum to your itinerary. The other way is by land, but it’s quite a complicated itinerary. I need to cross the Phra Pink Lao Bridge (the bridge just after the Grand Palace), then turn left and aim for the small Arun Ammarin Bridge. But don’t cross it as the museum is almost below. Park anywhere near the bridge, and you will quickly see some minor signs pointing to the museum.

Antiques at the National Royal Barge Museum

 The Suphannahong Royal Barge:

The barge’s signboard was designed in the shape of a swan. This is the tallest ship on which the king sits during the procession. The Suphannahong Royal Barge was built in King Chulalongkorn and completed in the reign of King Rama 6.

The Royal Barge Narai Song Suban HM Rama 9

The Department of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Royal Navy and the Royal Household Office, built this barge especially for King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

The royal barge Anantanakharat

The barge’s figurehead was designed in the shape of a 7-headed naga. This is also the tallest barge built in the reign of Rama VI to transport essential items. Buddha images or robes were presented to monks in the procession of royal barges at the end of Buddhist Lent. 

The Royal Barge by Anekchat Puchong.

 In the reign of King Rama V 

The Asurawayupak Royal Barge.

The figurehead is a monster with the body of an indigo bird. 

The royal barge of Karbi Prab Maung Marn. 

The figurehead was designed in the shape of a swordsman. 

The royal barge of Krut Hern Hej. 

The figurehead was designed in the shape of a Garuda.

Akkachai Hern Haw Royal Barge 

The figurehead was decorated with paintings of crocodiles.