Royal Barge Museum

In a side canal off the west bank of the Chao Praya is the newly re-opened Royal Barge Museum, where the exquisite artisanship of the royal barges are on display. Though spectacular pageants and procession continue to take place on the river to this day for special national occasions, seeing the master of craft and intricate detail involved in the restoration of these royal long tail boats really brings Thai history to life.  Make a brief stop during a canal, or khlung, tour to learn about the history of the barges and their renewed production at the national museum.