Royal Barges National Museum

A small but fascinating museum. There are several barges (about 8-10) that are extraordinarily beautifully made and decorated. There are also several display cases with ceremonial uniforms worn by the barges crews. You need less than an hour to visit it. It is quite difficult to get to it, passing through a poor neighborhood of Bangkok, with some strange streets. But it is worth the visit!

My father came to visit us in Thailand. He told me stories of when he was stationed Thailand with the US Air Force. He remembers seeing the Kings Barges when he was here between 1964 and 1974. They were beautiful boats/Barges. I am glad we had the experience to see these boats up close.

Classic Thailand. This attraction is 20 baht for Thai nationals and 200 baht for foreign tourists. That’s 10 times more. The site wasn’t that interesting either. It takes no more than 5 minutes to walk around. I really wouldn’t recommend visiting. Waste of money to be ripped off for being a foreigner.

Wonderful Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Royal Barges. Magnificent craftsmanship. The museum does a nice job explaining each barge and what it was used for in various ceremonies. Each barge is numbered starting from the entry point. The number matches the plaque next to each barge. The museum offers many exhibits and pictures that explain the royal barges, their construction, and how they were manned. There are ceremonial uniforms, musical instruments and other objects used aboard the barges. There is a fleet of models assembled as they would be in the river during a major celebration such as a coronation. A truly remarkable display. Spend the time to read the exhibits and slowly walk around each barge. My visit took about 1.5 hours plus to really enjoy the museum. The staff at the museum is very nice and polite. My ticket costs 100 baht. Pictures only, no video. A worthwhile visit in Bangkok.

🌟 Travel Review: Royal Barges National Museum, Bangkok 🇹🇭 Tucked away along the banks of Bangkok Noi Canal, the Royal Barges National Museum is a hidden gem that offers a rare glimpse into Thailand’s regal history and exquisite craftsmanship. The museum houses a stunning collection of royal barges, which are traditionally used in royal ceremonies on the Chao Phraya River. The highlight is undoubtedly the Suphannahong Royal Barge, an elaborately carved vessel gilded in gold and adorned with mythical figures from Thai folklore. Each barge is a masterpiece, reflecting centuries of Thai art, culture, and royal tradition. Standing before these massive boats, you can’t help but be awestruck by the detail and symbolism that go into every inch of their construction. 📸 Perfect for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and photographers alike, the museum is well-organized and informative. English descriptions accompany the displays, and you can even watch a short documentary on the royal barge procession, which is both majestic and deeply spiritual. ⸻ 🚗 How to Get There: There are several ways to reach the Royal Barges National Museum: 1. By Taxi/Grab: Simply search for “Royal Barges National Museum” in Google Maps. It’s located in the Bangkok Noi district, across the river from the Grand Palace. Taxi or Grab is the most convenient if you’re short on time. 2. By Boat: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Wang Lang (Siriraj) Pier. From there, you can either walk (about 15–20 minutes) or take a short tuk-tuk ride. 3. By Public Transport + Walking: Take the MRT (Blue Line) to Bang Khun Non Station, then grab a motorbike taxi or walk (around 20 minutes). ⸻ 🕒 Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on public holidays) 💵 Entrance Fee: • Thai Citizens: THB 30 • Foreigners: THB 100 (Additional fee applies for photography) ⸻ Final Verdict: This is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the grandeur of Thai royal traditions. It’s peaceful, educational, and visually breathtaking — a true off-the-beaten-path experience in Bangkok!

Small museum but boat are well kept. About 200 baht pp for the entrance. The path to get there is a little hidden just for your info but shortly after passing a pedestrian “bridge” you are almost there. Can get there by boat apparently but I have done that.

It is a good place to learn about Naval culture and Thai culture here especially if you like ship/barge used for river/shallow canal. Also for lovers of handcraft, this is a place for you to see different kinds of handcraft - wood carving, hand drawn ornaments, stitching work, etc

Kind of a must see in Bangkok. The barges are truly beautiful and impressive. I have visited them many a time over 45 years and each time their beauty excites me to visit. Getting there by land not that easy but it is doable. You need to enter a Navy base and the guards will direct you to a gate and a path to the barges. They only display the major barges in the museum with the support barges housed on the other side of the road one uses to enter the navy base. They don’t let you wander about but you can see them.