Royal Barges are fantastically ornamented boats used in ceremonial processions on the river. In The Royal Barges National Museum one can see eight of the over 50 barges. This museum is located on Klong Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River. This place is not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge and is situated just opposite to Thonburi Railway Station. It is towards the North of the Grand Palace. Each barge has a unique design with its special decorative details.

The most beautiful and well-known barge is Suphamahong- 'Golden Swan,' with its figurehead prow in the shape of a huge golden swan – the King's personal barge. This was used by the King only when he made his royal river procession for the Kathin ceremony - a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually during October or November. This barge is fifty meters long and required a rowing crew of fifty, plus seven men, tow navigators, a flagman, a rhythm-keeper and chanter.

Next to it is the Narai Song Suban with King Narai riding a Garuda on its prow. This barge was built to commemorate the king's 50th anniversary on the throne. Around the sides and back of the warehouse are display cases with oars, flags, and other paraphernalia of the procession ceremonies. The barges figured prominently in the bicentennial celebrations of the Chakri Dynasty in 1982 and in the celebrations of the King's 60th birthday in 1987.

Similar to ancient Viking boats but more ornate, these royal yachts are a spectacle even on land. Klong (canal) tours often stop there. The unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors. Admission to the museum is 30 Baht (0.80 USD) per person. If you want to take pictures, there's an additional fee of 100 Baht (2.67 USD) for a camera. The museum is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except on New Year's Eve (31 December), New Year's Day (1 January) and Songkran (13 to 15 April).

The best way to get to the museum is by boat. The Chaophraya Tourist Boat stops right at the museum. If you take the regular Express Boat service, the nearest stop is Pinklao Bridge Pier, although this involves a long winding walk along a narrow concrete walkway over the swampy land. The Barge Museum is also a standard stop on most long-tailed boat canal tours, which can be booked at the major tourist piers such as Chang or River City. Chao Praya River Express operates a regular boat service up and down the river. Sort of a bus on the water. Fares are extremely cheap. You can get just about anywhere for 10 Baht or less. However, it is possible to go by car, and park the car under the Arun Amarin Bridge before crossing Klong Bangkok Noi. Then follow the sign, walking through narrow lane of the housing community of Wat Dusita Ram till the Royal Barges National Museum.