If you can't see Thailand's ancient collection of royal barges in action in state ceremony on Bangkok's waterways, the next best thing is to see them in the museum where they're now housed, which is where these barges, some hundreds of years old, now spend almost all of their time.

The earliest barge in the museum's collection was made in 1357, and following it are barges down the ages, with enough variety to admire the changing trends in design – both structural and decorative. Suphanahong, is the name of the King's personal barge, and built in 1911 in graceful swan shape, it's one of the most intricate and memorable boats. It has a golden pavilion on it to house the royal family and takes 54 oarsmen to get it moving. Most of these crafts started out as war vessels, modified into cargo carriers then decorative pieces.

Arun Amarin Road

Bangkok, 10700, Thailand

Written by  Emilie Stokes.

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