Royal Barges National Museum

Eight of the royal procession barges, led by the golden swan Suphannahong, in a former dry dock on Khlong Bangkok Noi in Thonburi.

4.3(958)Thon Buri Railway Station · 8 min walk

Directions

Featured in: The 11 Best Museums in Bangkok, Ranked

Plan your visit

Hours: Daily 09:00–16:30
Getting there: Thon Buri Railway Station; 8 min walk

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Finding your way around Royal Barges National Museum

Layouts, fares and hours change. If something here has moved, use “Suggest a correction” at the bottom of the page.

Getting there and around

On the north bank of Khlong Bangkok Noi in Thonburi. Most longtail canal tours from the main piers stop here.
On foot, it's a walk down narrow lanes from the Chao Phraya Express pier at Phra Pin Klao Bridge.

Details

Address: 80, 1 Thanon Arun Amarin, Khwaeng Arun Amarin, Khet Bangkok Noi
Phone: 02 424 0004
Website: www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/royalbarges/360/boat_1.html

Full opening hours

Monday09:00–16:30

Tuesday09:00–16:30

Wednesday09:00–16:30

Thursday09:00–16:30

Friday09:00–16:30

Saturday09:00–16:30

Sunday09:00–16:30

Tours that include Royal Barges National Museum

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Royal Barges National Museum.

Royal Barges National Museum: tickets, guides & combos

Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead

See prices

Why go, and how to do it well

The Royal Barges National Museum is a former dry dock on the north bank of Khlong Bangkok Noi in Thonburi, and it holds eight of the 52 barges of the Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya. The star is the Suphannahong, the king's barge, 46 meters long with a golden swan at the prow and a crew of 50 oarsmen and two steersmen. Beside it are the Narai Song Suban, the Anantanakkharat and the Anekkachatphuchong. The Fine Arts Department restored the dock and the barges after bombing in World War II, and the museum opened in 1972.

It's one big boat shed, and half an hour covers it, so it works best as a stop on a Thonburi canal trip by longtail, which most canal tours include. On foot it's a walk down narrow lanes from the Chao Phraya Express pier at Phra Pin Klao Bridge.

The Fine Arts Department doesn't publish the current entry fee online, so carry some cash for the ticket. Google lists the museum open daily from 09:00 to 16:30.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Stay within reach of Royal Barges National Museum

Tours that include Royal Barges National Museum

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Royal Barges National Museum.

Royal Barges National Museum: tickets, guides & combos

Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead

See prices

Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Royal Barges National Museum, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Pair your visit. After Royal Barges National Museum, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.

80, 1 Thanon Arun Amarin, Khwaeng Arun Amarin, Khet Bangkok Noi

Open in Google Maps

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

Royal Barges National Museum: Frequently Asked Questions

How many barges are in the Royal Barges National Museum?

Eight of the 52 barges of the Royal Barge Procession, including the Suphannahong, the king's barge, 46 meters long with a golden swan at the prow, and the Narai Song Suban, the Anantanakkharat and the Anekkachatphuchong.

What are the Royal Barges National Museum's opening hours?

Google lists it open daily from 09:00 to 16:30. The Fine Arts Department doesn't publish a current fee online, so bring cash for the ticket.

Is Royal Barges National Museum worth visiting?

Royal Barges National Museum holds a 4.3★ rating from 958 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Bangkok.

When is the best time to visit Royal Barges National Museum?

The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).

Where is Royal Barges National Museum located?

Royal Barges National Museum is at 80, 1 Thanon Arun Amarin, Khwaeng Arun Amarin, Khet Bangkok Noi, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).

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