Boutique Hotel Bangkok

Thailand’s famous royal barge processions are rare events held to mark special occasions and is a sight not to be missed for visitors and residents alike.  This year’s procession is the Royal Kathin Procession to Present Monastic Robes.  The magnificent Royal Barge Procession provides a majestic panorama as a fleet of 52 elaborately carved and gilded royal barges solemnly glides down the Chao Phraya River, taking His Majesty the King  from Vasukree Pier to the Temple of Dawn to present new robes to the monks to mark the end of the three-month Buddhist Rains Retreat, or Buddhist Lent.  This ancient and spectacular royal ritual dates from the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai (1275-1316 AD). Each barge is manned by 50 oarsmen who raise their silver and gold paddles in unison at the end of each stroke.  Before the main event on November 5, there will be three full dress rehearsals on Oct 26, 29 and Nov 2, 2007.   

The best view of this fabulous procession is offered from The Royal Thai Navy Institute, located across the river from the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. 

Tickets for the rehearsals and the event, viewed from the Royal Thai Navy Institute, are on sale at the Tourism Authority of Thailand. 

For reservations or enquiries, please
Contact:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand Revenue Section
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 Ext 2115 – 9
Direct Line: +66 (0) 2652 8319 – 20