The amazing and absolutely unique in the world "Royal Barge Procession" will be held on November, 9th on the Chao Phrao River (River of Kings) in Bangkok.
Don't miss your chance to feel relegated for 700 years in time. A time, back in history till the first independent Kingdom of Thailand.
Feel yourself in the middle of a stunning and breathtaking spectaculum of the 14th century and sense the vibes when joining this rare event.
This is an once in a lifetime experience!
Gaze the majestic procession of 52 Royal Barges and realize the power, the grandness and the dramatic composition of such a concentration of more than 2300 oarsmen.
The Royal Barge Procession
It is an amazing spectacle in amazing Thailand, which "always amazes you".
This is the slogan of Thailand's Tourism Authority and it matches in this case exactly.
This "Royal Barge Procession" will put you under banishment. Look, feel and listen to the boat chants. They are an essential and important part of the procession.
Long before you see the first barge, you will already recognize the roaring chants, not to mention when the Procession is passing you.
The first three Barges. Do you see them?The additional sound from poking long wooden poles on the back of the Barges made me a flash crawl.
The wooden poles.
It was an armada in majestic slow motion.
Inexpressibly, fascinating and incredible.......
On one hand side sounds the poking with the poles was threatening and on the other hand side it completes the monontone sound of the chant with a rhythm.
The Grand Palace in the background.
I had the rare oppurtunity to join the last full dressed rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession, together with a few other bloggers and media people last Tuesday. We watched the procession in opposite of the Grand Palace at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall.
Here are also seats available. You will find a telephone number and the link to for buying tickets at the end of this article.Shortly in front of the start the weather looked more like rain and we felt already a few rain drops but as soon as the procession begans, the clouds went away and sun offered us a good frame for taking pictures.
You can find more informations about the Royal Barges and the formation of the "Royal Barge Procession" in another posting.
This ravishing spectacle takes over an hour. The "Royal Barge Procession" will start at 3pm on Vasukri Royal Landing Pier. From this location the Royal Barges will glide down the Chao Phraya River in majestic style until Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
At Wat Arun will be the "Royal Kathin Ceremony" held. For this reason is the complete official name of this event like the following:
"The Royal Barge Procession to Present the Royal Kathin Ceremony in a part of The Celebration on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King's 85th Birthday Anniversary 5th December 2012"
The monks at Wat Arun getting during "The Royal Kathin Ceremony" new robes from the Royal family. More about "Royal Kathin Ceremony" in another posting.
This year, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will preside over the "Royal Barge Procession" on behalf of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn© SidakanThe timetable of "The Royal Barge Procession" and the "Royal Kathin Ceremony".
As I wrote in an earlier posting, you will find various places along the river to join this event for free, but be aware to head early for this spots!
Date of the "Royal Kathin Ceremony" and "Royal Barge Procession": November 9, 2012
Place: Tassana Pirom Yard, Naval Assembly, Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok
In case you are interested in a ticket:
Price of Ticket: 1500 baht / seat
How to get the ticket:
1. Tel: +66 2970 2544 to 5
2. www.welovebooking.com
Another good location with best view on the "Royal Barge Procession" is at the Cafe Arts Restaurant.
Club Arts Gallery
It is located at the river, close to the location where the Royal Barges were placed at the moment.
www.clubartsgallery.com
This is a good spot if you like to see how they prepare and pull the Royal Barges to the Vasukri Royal Landing Pier. This will happen between 12pm and 2pm.
The restaurant offers delicious food and you can enjoy the Art Gallery for free.
Pad Thai in a different style and other delicious food.
Reservations are highly recommended!
