These royal barge images represent a few of the more than 50 barges that make up formal processions in Bangkok today. In early days, the rivers witnessed hundreds, if not thousands, of these magnificent vessels that conveyed either the royal family or the military to various points along the rivers and canals.

The barges sailed with a compliment of approximately 40-60 oarsmen and crew to propel the barge, man the armaments and tend to the royal passengers.