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Missed the full-dress rehearsals in October? Don’t worry, the main event is only days off. On Friday November 6, 52 gilded barges and 2,200 navy oarsmen leave Wasukri Pier at around 2.30pm for the 4.2km trip down the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) now confirms where to sit.
The flotilla forms part of the royal Kathin robe-offering ceremony, honouring Queen Suthida’s 48th birthday on June 3, her fourth 12-year cycle. Across six designated sites, the BMA provides 7,400 seats. Here’s the lineup, from north to south.
Beneath Rama VIII Bridge
More than half the seating, 4,000 chairs in all, sits at the top of the route, so you get the first look at the fleet. An LED screen on the Thon Buri side shows the action up close.
Santichaiprakan Park
The grassy park by the white, octagonal Phra Sumen Fort takes 1,500 people and has two big screens. Grab noodles or an iced coffee on nearby Phra Athit Road beforehand.
Beneath Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge
Just 200 places, the smallest allocation of the six, so turn up early.
72nd Birthday Anniversary Park, Siriraj Hospital
Over in Thon Buri, the lawn in front of the hospital holds 1,000 spectators. Kill time at the Siriraj Medical Museum, a few minutes on foot.
Wat Rakhang Khositaram
Near the Wat Arun finish, the temple has space for 300. Its grounds are hung with rows of bells that visitors ring for good fortune.
Bank of Thailand Learning Centre
The BMA also lists a learning centre with room for 400.
What about tickets? The BMA seats need no booking, but the navy’s reserved areas at the Royal Thai Navy Club and Tassanaphirom Plaza are for ticket holders only. Phone registration ran from September 8-16, with passes collected in person later that month. If you registered, bring your passes (two per person at most) on the day.
Didn’t get a spot? The city counts 15 public viewing points in total, seven on the eastern Phra Nakhon bank and eight in Thon Buri. Five giant displays relay live coverage at four locations, including Sathan Phimuk Garden at Siriraj and Tassanaphirom Plaza at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall.
This week, crews hang drapes and flags and fix floating barriers to keep water hyacinth off the course. River traffic halts at midday and stays off the water until the procession finishes, so don’t count on a ferry or longtail. Plan your journey with our tips on getting around Bangkok and aim to arrive around the same time, or by 1pm at the latest. Bring a hat, an umbrella in case of showers and something to sit on, and wear modest clothes for the occasion.
The Royal Barge Procession leaves Wasukri Pier at around 2.30pm on Fri Nov 6.