Museums, Boats and Chinatown Fun in Bangkok

Forever looking for interesting days out, Fah once again joined Steve and me for another foray into central Bangkok. While it would mean retracing some footsteps, there are always new places to see and learn about, especially when researching where the boats used in the famous Royal Barge Procession are kept.

Inside the National Barges Museum

Always Something New to See

A bus journey followed by a longer-than-usual ride on the Saen Saep Canal Boat deposited us at Panfa Leelard Pier on a pleasant late morning. The rising temperatures were to play a part over the next few hours as we were about to do plenty of walking.

The walk along Ratchadamnoen Klang Road is never dull, with places appearing that aren’t obvious at first. The work on Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan was completed, with it looking its best after the scaffolding and hoardings had been removed.

We took time to read all about the history behind the tragic events of 1973 when we stopped at the 14th of October Memorial, rather than walking past as we had done previously. From there we continued around the north side of Sanam Luang to the National Museum Bangkok.

A Museum Through the Eyes of a Thai

Steve and I had been before, but it was Fah's first visit, and she was fascinated by the buildings and exhibits. It also gave me a bit more time to look around. As before, the centrepieces were the large collection of artwork, the many ancient artefacts, and of course, the hall containing the ceremonial carriages used by royal families.

I think when visiting such attractions in a foreign land, it is better with a local, so you see how they react, and so you can assess the importance and significance of what you’re seeing. The carriages certainly made an impact on Fah, who was keen to tell us all about them. 

Something we reflected on, and is worth considering for anyone visiting, is that our admission fee was 200 THB (£4.45), while Fah, as a Thai, paid 30 THB. Those who are against the principle of dual pricing may want to stay away.

The ceremonial carriages inside Bangkok National Museum

Royal Barges Museum

After a coffee sitting in the pretty gardens of the museum, it was time for a walk that Fah was initially keen on but quickly realised was much further than she'd thought. The views down the Chao Phraya River from Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge were magnificent, but it put into context just how wide the waterway was.

On the Thonburi side of the river, we experienced real Thailand, wandering down narrow alleys and across little bridges over canals serving the local communities. My friends thought I was lost, which I must admit crossed my mind. Thankfully, some signposts confirmed we were going in the right direction.

On an earlier expedition covered in “Discovering Bangkok for Under 300 Baht a Person”, Steve and I ended up outside the Royal Dockyard Museum further down the river, believing that was where the barges used in the royal procession were housed.

Later research revealed we were in the wrong place, even if they had let us inside. This time we got it right and eventually found the large building we needed by Bangkok Noi Canal. Again, the same pricing policy was in place as the museum over the river. However, there was yet another sting in the tail.

Dual Pricing and Then Another Charge

The man at the entrance told us anyone taking photographs or filming had to pay an additional 100 THB. We quickly decided that I was the designated cameraman. When I got home and looked at websites, there was no indication of such a charge. Was he looking to top up his tea fund?

The barges were certainly impressive, not least because of their sheer length. There were only a few additional exhibits, so apart from the different figureheads on each vessel, it could be argued that once you'd seen one, you'd seen them all. Not to worry, I’m glad we made the effort.

Opposite the entrance in the alleyway was a kind lady who kept tropical birds. She had a nice chat with us all, with Fah enjoying being able to converse in Thai and find out things we couldn’t. 

Wat Arun

The Highly Recommended Chao Phraya Express Boat

We managed to find our way back to the main road going past Wat Dusidaram Worawihan, but this time rather than crossing the bridge, we went under it. The schools were emptying for the day as we located Phra Pinklao Bridge Pier.

We had time for an ice cream before one of the regular Chao Phraya Express Boats arrived to take us down the river. This time we all paid the same 22 THB fare to Ratchawong Pier.

I cannot recommend this mode of transport enough to anyone wanting to get some fantastic views of Bangkok, as the ride goes past some wonderful sights and costs next to nothing. It delivered once again, with Wat Arun looking magnificent before passing ICONSIAM shopping mall, then around the bend with Sathon and its tower blocks in the distance.

A Return to Chinatown

I’d been to Chinatown with Steve and Fah once before, when we took the bus from Minburi and had a fun evening out. This time we would arrive from the other end and walk through the indoor market area as Fah wanted to buy some items for her craftwork projects. It was never a bind to soak up the area's vibrant atmosphere before heading onto Yaowarat Road.

As detailed in “Discovering Bangkok's Chinatown”, Steve and I had inadvertently come across someone encouraging us to stop for a beer on Plaeng Nam Road. We returned, and sure enough, the Frenchman was there again urging us to “glug glug”. 

We enjoyed our beers across the street from his establishment, as he provided us with outstanding service, including bringing over the snacks we ordered. It was a great place to people-watch while the street got busier as the sun went down.

Replenished and happy with time well spent, we walked back to the bus terminus outside Hua Lamphong Railway Station to catch the number 113 service to Minburi. There may even have been some snoring on the way home!

Happy Campers on Plaeng Nam Road

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