Royal Barges National Museum, Bangkok Noi | Bangkok

Royal Barges National Museum, Bangkok Noi | Bangkok
The National Museum of Royal Barges is located near the mouth of Khlong Bangkok Noi in the Bangkok Noi District. The museum houses eight significant royal ceremonial barges, including the Royal Barge Suphannahong, the Royal Barge Anantanakkharat, the Royal Barge Anekchatphuchong, and the Royal Barge Narai Song Suban (Rama IX).
Situated near the mouth of Khlong Bangkok Noi in the Bangkok Noi District of Bangkok, the National Museum of Royal Barges exhibits eight important royal ceremonial barges, including:
Royal Barges (4 vessels):
• Royal Barge Suphannahong: A royal barge reserved for the King, distinguished by a prow carved in the shape of a hamsa (swan), finished with black lacquer, gold leaf, and intricate glass mosaic inlays.
• Royal Barge Anantanakkharat: A royal barge featuring a prow carved in the form of a seven-headed naga, adorned with gold leaf and glass mosaics. Amidships, it carries a *busabok* (a raised pavilion) designed to enshrine a Buddha image or the *kathin* (royal robe offering) vestments.
• Royal Barge Narai Song Suban (Rama IX): A reserve royal barge, with a prow carved to depict the god Vishnu (Narai) mounted on a Garuda clutching a naga.
• Royal Barge Anekchatphuchong: A royal barge designated for members of the Royal Family. The bow is decorated with *lai rot nam* (Thai-style gold-leaf lacquerwork) featuring numerous small *naga* (serpent) figures.
Key Royal Barges on Display
1. Royal Barge Suphannahong
• Notable features: A *king*-class royal barge. The bow is carved into the shape of a *hong* (mythical swan), adorned with gold-leaf lacquer and inlaid glass. The hull extends to form the body of the swan. It is a masterpiece of great beauty and served as the primary royal barge during the reigns of King Rama V and King Rama VI.
2. Royal Barge Narai Song Suban (King Rama IX)
• Notable features: Newly constructed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX’s accession to the throne (the Golden Jubilee). The bow features a figure of the deity Narai (Vishnu) with four arms, riding a *garuda* and standing upon a pedestal.
3. Royal Barge Anantanakkharat
• Notable features: A *king*-class royal barge. The bow is carved into the form of a seven-headed *naga*, finished in brilliant, gleaming gold-leaf lacquer.
4. Royal Barge Anekchatphuchong
• Notable features: A secondary royal barge. The prow is carved with numerous small *naga*
(serpent) figures—hundreds of them—finished with black lacquer and gold leaf.
Animal-themed and other vessels (4 boats):
• *Krut Hoen Het* (Garuda Soaring): An animal-themed vessel in the procession.
• *Krabi Prap Mueang Man* (Monkey Warrior Subduing the City of Demons): An animal-themed vessel in the procession.
• *Asura Wayuphak* (Demon-Bird/Asura with Bird-like Features): An animal-themed vessel in the procession.
• *Ek Chai Hoen Hao* (Excellent Victory Soaring in the Sky): A towboat (or ceremonial procession vessel) displayed alongside the others.
Admission Fees (Individual Tickets):
• Thai nationals: 20 THB
• Foreigners: 200 THB
• Students (in uniform), Buddhist monks, novices, and members of the clergy: Free admission.
Combined Ticket (for the National Museum Bangkok, the Royal Barges Museum, and the National Gallery):
• Thai nationals: 60 THB
• Foreigners: 400 THB
Additional Information:
• Opening Hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 16:30.
• Telephone: 0 2424 0004
Address: 80/1 Arun Amarin Road, Arun Amarin Subdistrict, Bangkok Noi District, Bangkok 10700