National Museum of Royal Barges

Museum of the Thai royal family's magnificent ceremonial barges in Bangkok.

The National Museum of Royal Barges in Bangkok preserves the magnificent ceremonial vessels of the Thai royal family. The most celebrated barge, the Suphannahong, stretches over 46 meters and is carved from a single teak log, crowned with a gilded fire-breathing swan's head. Located along Bangkok Noi canal, the museum is embedded in the city's historic river life. The barges are still used in rare royal processions on the Chao Phraya River — a spectacle that draws tens of thousands of spectators.