Bangkok is one of the most fun cities in the world. Museums and gardens, amusement parks and cultural centers… there's something for everyone in this booming, bustling metropolis.

The Royal Barges Museum, located on Bangkok Noi Canal in Thonburi, not far from the Pinklao Bridge, is home to the fabulous ornamental boats used in State ceremonies and even in battle, in days gone by.

The royal barges, at one time vessels of war, now serve in ceremonial processions along the Chao Phraya River. The most fabulous of all the vessels in the museum is the 46-meter "Suphanahong" or "Golden Swan" which is hewed from a single piece of timber. Built in 1911, Suphanahong is the King's personal barge, used in traditional events such as the Kathin ceremony held during October or November. The prow of the boat is carved into the head of a 'hong' or sacred swan, and the entire vessel is richly decorated with gilt-covered carvings. The Suphanahong requires a crew of 54 oarsmen, two steersmen, two officers, a flagman, a rhythm keeper and a man who sings ancient chants called 'bot heh rua' in time to the oars. The King sits in the vessel's golden pavilion.

Other boats in the barge fleet are fashioned after the creatures of Thai and Indian mythology such as the 'garuda', Hanuman the monkey, and the 'naga', a mythical sea serpent.

Only very rarely is the entire fleet brought into service. In 1982, in celebration of the Ratanakosin Bicentennial, the full complement of barges proceeded along the River of Kings. The most recent flotilla was held at the end of 1999 in celebration of His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday.

The Royal Barges National Museum is open to the public every day from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm with a 10 baht admission fee. Boats from Wat Mahathat pass the museum on their way down Bangkok Noi Canal or you can hire a klong taxi to take you there. For further information, call +66 2 424-0004.