Royal Barge Procession, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

The Royal Barge Procession on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is a unique opportunity to witness Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and royal traditions. The spectacular event has a history that dates back over 700 years to the Ayutthaya period. Originally, it was a means of transportation for the royal family and high-ranking officials but over time has evolved into a ceremonial event. Whether attending the rehearsals or the main event, spectators can be part of a historic and majestic celebration. The next Royal Barge Procession is scheduled for 27 October 2024 with numerous rehearsals taking place in the lead-up to the main event.

Video of the dress rehearsal for the 2019 Royal Barge Procession

The Royal Barges

At the heart of the procession are the royal barges, elaborately decorated vessels that embody the skill of Thai craftsmanship. Each barge is a masterpiece, ornately adorned with intricate carvings and gilded in gold. The most famous of these is the Suphannahong, or Golden Swan, which is the personal barge of the King. 

Other notable barges include the Anantanakkharat, featuring a multi-headed serpent, and the Narai Song Suban, which depicts the Hindu god Vishnu on a Garuda. Each barge has its own unique design and significance, contributing to the visual and symbolic richness of the procession.

The Ceremony

The Royal Barge Procession is held on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on special occasions, such as a royal coronation, significant anniversaries, and important Buddhist ceremonies. The most recent procession took place in 2019 to celebrate the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).

The event begins with a series of rituals and prayers to bless the barges and ensure the safety of the participants. The procession itself involves a fleet of up to 52 barges, manned by over 2,000 oarsmen in traditional attire. The oarsmen row in perfect unison, guided by the rhythmic beat of drums and the melodic chants of the barge songs. 

2024 Royal Barge Procession

The next Royal Barge Procession is set for October 27, 2024. The event is in honour of the King’s 72nd birthday. In Thailand, a 72nd birthday is important because it completes a 12-year cycle.  In Thai culture, the zodiac is a repeating 12-year cycle with a different animal associated with each year. The completion of every twelve-year cycle is important because it brings people back to their birth-year animal. 

In the lead-up to the Royal Barge Procession on 27 October 2024, there will be several rehearsals and opportunities for the public to view the barges and witness the preparations.

Viewing Locations and Dates

Royal Thai Navy Dockyard

• Public viewing: From 8.30am to 4.30pm
• Special training: On July 8-12, 15-19, and 23-26, the public can observe the oarsmen training for the rhythmic barge-rowing song (from 2pm to 3.30pm)

Ratchaworadit Pier

• Barge display and exhibition: From July 27-29, three of the royal barges – the Suphannahong, Narai Song Suban, and Anantanakkharat – will be displayed along with an exhibition to honour King Rama X
• Barge-rowing show: Twice daily at 3pm and 7pm on 27 and 28 July and at 5pm and 8pm on 29 July.

Mini rehearsal on the Chao Phraya River

• Under the Rama VIII Bridge
• From 8-30 July  (excluding weekends and public holidays) there will be daily barge-rowing training for oarsmen from 9am to 3pm.

Full rehearsals on the Chao Phraya River

• The public can view the rehearsals at designated areas along the Chao Phraya River between Rama VIII Bridge and Wat Arun. 
• From 1 August to 22 October, there will be weekly rehearsals of the royal barge procession between 3pm to 6pm
• August dates: 1, 8, 15, 22
• September dates: 3, 12, 19, 26
• October dates: 1, 10
• Two full-dress rehearsals are scheduled for 15 and 22 October.

The procession on 27 October will begin at the royal pier, Tha Wasukri, north of the Grand Palace. The barges will be rowed along the Chao Phraya River towards Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 3.30pm with the barges taking approximately 45 minutes to complete the route.

Viewing Areas

There are several public viewing areas along the river, though capacity is limited. These include:

• Under Rama VIII Bridge (Thonburi)
• Santichai Prakan Park
• Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Park
• Siriraj Hospital
• Thammasat University Nagaraphirom Park

Hotels and cafes along the route may offer viewing opportunities during rehearsals, though many will be ticket-only. For the main ceremony, some venues may close for security and etiquette reasons.