The Thai Boat Museum in Pratoo-chai is a captivating destination that showcases the rich maritime heritage of Thailand through an impressive collection of traditional boats and artifacts. Visitors can enjoy insightful exhibits that chronicle the evolution of Thailand’s boat-building culture and the vital role of waterways in Thai life.
Nestled in the serene town of Pratoo-chai, the Thai Boat Museum invites you to explore the remarkable maritime history of Thailand. This unique museum features an extensive collection of traditional Thai boats, each telling its own story of craftsmanship and cultural significance. Artfully arranged exhibits highlight the evolution of boat-building techniques, showcasing intricate designs and the vibrant colors that characterize local craftsmanship. Visitors are encouraged to engage with interactive displays that illustrate the impact of waterways on trade, transport, and community life throughout Thai history. The museum’s tranquil surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a thoughtful reflection on Thailand’s relationship with its aquatic environments. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an admirer of traditional crafts, or simply seeking a captivating place to visit, the Thai Boat Museum offers an enriching experience that deepens your appreciation for Thailand’s maritime legacy. Make sure to immerse yourself in the stories woven into each vessel and understand their significance in the cultural tapestry of the country, making your visit a treasured part of your travels in Thailand.
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Thai Boat Museum is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking 12 moo 1, Soi Bang-ean 8 Bang-ean Rd, Pratoo-chai, 13000, Thailand
My wife and I drove to Ayutthaya specifically to buy a canoe. So I decided we had to see the Thai Boat Museum while we were in town. I am so glad we did!This is a museum run the family of a man (Mr. Patitoon Khaomala) who was a professor at the University specializing in building wooden boats. He was an advisor to the building of Royal boats, and has many pictures of himself and the king to prove it. What it most important is that he is clearly a man who has a passion for boats and is proud to spend time with you and teach you about his passion.The museum is in an old wooden house and has many boats both in the garden and throughout the first floor. From simple dugout canoes to elaborate rice barges. He also has many models of royal boats, chinese junks, and also western steamships and warships.In the end It is not the Smithsonian or the Louvre, but I dont know of any museum that has left me with such a warm feeling when I left. After ten minutes we felt like part of the family. It is too bad we were leaving Ayutthaya that day because I probably would have invited he and his wife to dinner with us. Maybe I will the next time I am there.I highly recommend this place. It explains the importance of the Chao Phraya river system in the culture of Siam which is also proved by the location of Ayutthaya as its capitol. And it provides a more friendly tour and helps with temple overload.
This was amazing! It was a recommendation and we were so happy to go. We had a personal tour of the boats, complete with history, by the son of the original boat maker. Do not miss this museum. DO NOT.
As an avid visitor to Ayutthaya the ratings on this museum should be much higher. Google maps gives the correct directions right up to the point where you are at it but don’t know where it is! It shows a very small Soi which there is an entrance but in reality the used entrance is on the main street, look for a small sign which I have taken a photo of. Ring the bell and wait, it is worth it. This museum is run by a 77 year old lady and an 80 year old man who have a world of information that they will gladly pass on to you and even better take the time to look around and be astounded at the seemingly insignificant little place. The validity and qualifications of these people have already been established but the friendliness I want to confirm, it is incredible that these gentle people are willing to give us their time. The gardens at the google entrance is filled with West Indian Cherry trees, Cigar flowers of better known as chili bush and citrofortunella or lemon/lime tree. Wait for the punch line, the place where you cannot take photos is filled with memorabilia that after living in Thailand for 13 years I have never seen photos and the likes of…I was stunned. This place is incredible.
While we walked around the several historic royal barges, we could see multiple tour boats stop out in the water, say a few words, and keep moving. They don’t know what they missed. These boats, at anchor in the water inside the boathouse, have very elaborate prows. The size of the boats is impressive, and their condition is excellent. We felt privileged to get to see these symbols of royal importance.
A real little treasure of a museum. Lots of great examples of Thai boats that both our kids enjoyed.
This place is not for visiting with a big groups but worth to stop by for people who travel on their on, couples, families, friends. Small and quiet place with a good private collection of original Thai boats and additionally ship models, old maps, and etc. Established by a local enthusiast, who has professional skills in building Thai boats, and a real passion. Very friendly place, asking no specific fee, just any donations you are willing to make.
This museum is housed in the private house of the owner. She greeted us on arrival. She explained her late husband was passionate about boats and designed/made many. There was a strong connection with the Thai Royal Family and she proudly invited us into her home to show us them all. If you are interested in boats this is a must visit.
This place is a real gem. It closes at lunchtime as it is run by the family. But wait until they open again (bell outside) as it is a real treat. There are lots of traditional boats to see – most renovated by the owner and collector. He has amassed a real treasury of Asian river and sea craft. After you have explored the outside there is a closed room (no pics) where there are tools, models and photos and info about the owner and his family, the King and royal boat connections. It is an amazing place. Donations!
This is a small unique museum located at a walking distance from Wat Mahathat and I have visited the same during my Ayuthaya sightseeing. Entrance ticket is free but you would be asked to give donation inside as per your choice. This place has many big and small boats of different types and usage on display but the main attraction is a room which has very beautiful models of different types of boats used by traders of different countries coming to the historic city of Ayuthaya. The old lady showing this room asked me to write down my feedback and give donation.
Have not been in ten plus yrs. Visited with original owner/founder. Outstanding presentation of historic boats and models. Looks to have upgraded physical facility and passed the work this son possibly. Really a must see for those interested in river craft or life on the water.