Royal Barge procession tickets
Apr 11th, 2006, 06:18 PM
#2
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Tickets are usually sold through the Tourism Authority of Thailand, but there's nothing yet on their web site. I suspect a lot of tickets go to VIPs and friends of the TAT, but you can keep an eye on their web site, http://www.tourismthailand.org
You might have better luck with a riverside restaurant or hotel. The Supatra restaurant should have a good view.
You might have better luck with a riverside restaurant or hotel. The Supatra restaurant should have a good view.
Apr 12th, 2006, 12:38 AM
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Peteralan, the royal barge procession is very much a one-off event, the last one was in 2003. This one is on Monday June 12 and is part of the year long celebration of the King's 60th year on the throne. The TAT website says its starts at 7:30 pm (so it will be quite dark), it goes from the Tha Wasukri landing to the King Rama I Bridge. Dress rehearsals are on June 6 and 9, so you can see what it would look like. (Don't know the timing for the dress rehearsals, but if they are during the day, these would certainly give a better photo op.)
My only problem is that I don't know WHERE the Rama I bridge is, because I don't see any bridge with that name on any map I have, and I thought the lowest number Rama bridge was Rama III. According to the TAT website http://www.tatgovernor.com/festival.aspx?id=223 "Seating areas to view this spectacular event will be provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Noi Railway Station, Royal Navy Club, Naval Hydrographic Department and Thammasat University. Restaurants along the river en route from Wasukri Pier to the Temple of Dawn will also be selling seats. " So this tells me that the procession starts somewhere above the Rama VIII bridge and that the Rama I bridge is somewhere below the Temple of the Dawn, assuming the barges are going downriver. You might try some of the above organizations to see if you can buy tickets, as I am guessing these will be the only ones near any illumination which might be provided to really see the barges (see below).
Now, I have not been to one of these before, but did a little reading on previous ones. I am trying to get to the June 12 one and was hoping it would go as far south as the river hotels by the Sathorn Bridge, but that does not appear to be the case. Usually these processions are held during the day so any seat along the river is a good one. However, the June 12 one is only the second one to be held at night (the only other one was on 2003 for the APEC summit), and without lighting on the boats IMO it is going to be hard to really appreciate how ornate and beautiful they are, or in some cases to even see them at all. (Although there will be a full moon, which may help.) The one in 2003 had special illumination in and underneath the river at certain points, and I get the impression from reading the Bangkok Post articles that you only got a great view if (i) you had a seat across from the Grand Palace or (ii) if you were watching on TV. I am pretty sure that the VIPs like the kings and queens from other countries who are coming will get the good seats across the river from the Grand Palace (this appears to be at the Navy Institute, and there was a special glass room built in 2003).
I am hoping there are posters who were at the 2003 event who could provide more accurate reccos on where to sit to be able to see well at night. Also, if anyone as the timing for the June 6 and 9 dress rehearsals, this might be a better option for photographers and viewers.
My only problem is that I don't know WHERE the Rama I bridge is, because I don't see any bridge with that name on any map I have, and I thought the lowest number Rama bridge was Rama III. According to the TAT website http://www.tatgovernor.com/festival.aspx?id=223 "Seating areas to view this spectacular event will be provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Noi Railway Station, Royal Navy Club, Naval Hydrographic Department and Thammasat University. Restaurants along the river en route from Wasukri Pier to the Temple of Dawn will also be selling seats. " So this tells me that the procession starts somewhere above the Rama VIII bridge and that the Rama I bridge is somewhere below the Temple of the Dawn, assuming the barges are going downriver. You might try some of the above organizations to see if you can buy tickets, as I am guessing these will be the only ones near any illumination which might be provided to really see the barges (see below).
Now, I have not been to one of these before, but did a little reading on previous ones. I am trying to get to the June 12 one and was hoping it would go as far south as the river hotels by the Sathorn Bridge, but that does not appear to be the case. Usually these processions are held during the day so any seat along the river is a good one. However, the June 12 one is only the second one to be held at night (the only other one was on 2003 for the APEC summit), and without lighting on the boats IMO it is going to be hard to really appreciate how ornate and beautiful they are, or in some cases to even see them at all. (Although there will be a full moon, which may help.) The one in 2003 had special illumination in and underneath the river at certain points, and I get the impression from reading the Bangkok Post articles that you only got a great view if (i) you had a seat across from the Grand Palace or (ii) if you were watching on TV. I am pretty sure that the VIPs like the kings and queens from other countries who are coming will get the good seats across the river from the Grand Palace (this appears to be at the Navy Institute, and there was a special glass room built in 2003).
I am hoping there are posters who were at the 2003 event who could provide more accurate reccos on where to sit to be able to see well at night. Also, if anyone as the timing for the June 6 and 9 dress rehearsals, this might be a better option for photographers and viewers.
Apr 12th, 2006, 07:09 AM
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This from Tong:
It hasn't been announced officially for the grandstall from TAT yet. Now there are some seat for foreign reporters. My friend who works for TAT told me that he would let me know any inside news for reserving the ticket as soon as the conference has conferred.
There will be dress rehearsals on June 6 and June9. So on that day, we will know that which places have the better view because sometimes the procession can be changed for the route..
But if it's not changed, the best places are Chang Pier, Ratchaworadits Pier because it's almost the opposite side of the Prime Minister's or any VIP's.
We can also book the tickets directly with some river-view restaurants, I'm going to find out for more info., but since TAT hasn't announced yet...so I'm not sure that it's gonna be like APEC in 2003 or not.
The sooner, the better for reserving the tickets..because the price will go much higher undoubtedly.. but now...no news from TAT yet.
I have someone who requested a tour day with me and he would want to see the Royal Barge Procession. I'm going to find some more info. for him too. I dont want him to miss it..he's coming for his honeymoon.
Will post any updates she sends....
It hasn't been announced officially for the grandstall from TAT yet. Now there are some seat for foreign reporters. My friend who works for TAT told me that he would let me know any inside news for reserving the ticket as soon as the conference has conferred.
There will be dress rehearsals on June 6 and June9. So on that day, we will know that which places have the better view because sometimes the procession can be changed for the route..
But if it's not changed, the best places are Chang Pier, Ratchaworadits Pier because it's almost the opposite side of the Prime Minister's or any VIP's.
We can also book the tickets directly with some river-view restaurants, I'm going to find out for more info., but since TAT hasn't announced yet...so I'm not sure that it's gonna be like APEC in 2003 or not.
The sooner, the better for reserving the tickets..because the price will go much higher undoubtedly.. but now...no news from TAT yet.
I have someone who requested a tour day with me and he would want to see the Royal Barge Procession. I'm going to find some more info. for him too. I dont want him to miss it..he's coming for his honeymoon.
Will post any updates she sends....
Apr 12th, 2006, 07:47 AM
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This is too funny...
I'm the one that Tong is talking about for the honeymoon !!!
since I haven't booked rooms or interior flights yet I have 2 options.
#1 book so I can see the dress rehearsal during the day or
#2book to see the main event and hope I can get a view...
Lloyd
I'm the one that Tong is talking about for the honeymoon !!!
since I haven't booked rooms or interior flights yet I have 2 options.
#1 book so I can see the dress rehearsal during the day or
#2book to see the main event and hope I can get a view...
Lloyd
Apr 12th, 2006, 07:34 PM
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As far as I know the Phra Pok Klao bridge (right beside the Memorial bridge) is refered to as King Rama 1 bridge. It is the first bridge from Taksin Bridge (skytrain station) as you head towards the Grand Palace.
Apr 12th, 2006, 08:05 PM
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Thanks Scotters, that's what I figured, it does not show up with that name on any map I have or could find on the Internet, but from the description of the procession I was guessing it was near the Memorial Bridge.
Now I just need to figure out how to see the barges in the dark....
Now I just need to figure out how to see the barges in the dark....
May 17th, 2006, 06:50 PM
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I just heard about this and I would love to see it but I was wondering do you have to have tickets? Stupid question but couldn't you just sit along the river and see it? (I've never been to Bangkok before so I really have no idea 
) The dress rehearsal sounds better to me seeing as its during the day. Any updates would be much appreciated! (ps... i leave in 10 days!!! sooooo excited )
) The dress rehearsal sounds better to me seeing as its during the day. Any updates would be much appreciated! (ps... i leave in 10 days!!! sooooo excited )
May 18th, 2006, 07:50 AM
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There are grandstands at the royal naval academy ( and other places too, I think ).
Many restaurants have sold tables on the river's edge also.
One problem is that it is a night procession and there is limited lighting in all places except at the grandstands ( sold by TAT ).
A second pboblem is that no one really knows the exact route so a table at a restaurant may not get a view ).
A third problem is that virtually all seats of any kind are sold out and there are scalpers selling fakes ( ghost tickets ).
A final problem is that most of the dress rehearsals are without costume and chanting.
The only reason that I got tickets is because I booked Tong as our guide and she got them for me the hour they went on sale...making her worth the guide fee even if she sleeps the whole time we are in Bangkok !!!
Good luck and beware of fake tickets,
Lloyd
Many restaurants have sold tables on the river's edge also.
One problem is that it is a night procession and there is limited lighting in all places except at the grandstands ( sold by TAT ).
A second pboblem is that no one really knows the exact route so a table at a restaurant may not get a view ).
A third problem is that virtually all seats of any kind are sold out and there are scalpers selling fakes ( ghost tickets ).
A final problem is that most of the dress rehearsals are without costume and chanting.
The only reason that I got tickets is because I booked Tong as our guide and she got them for me the hour they went on sale...making her worth the guide fee even if she sleeps the whole time we are in Bangkok !!!
Good luck and beware of fake tickets,
Lloyd
May 18th, 2006, 07:56 AM
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Also...
Be aware that on the 12th travel by river is going to be next to impossible...they shut it down to prepare for the procession. With the river shut down all other transportation will be packed...taxis, buses, skytrain, etc.
Be aware that on the 12th travel by river is going to be next to impossible...they shut it down to prepare for the procession. With the river shut down all other transportation will be packed...taxis, buses, skytrain, etc.
May 20th, 2006, 10:43 AM
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thank so much for your advice. we're not positive we're going to even try and see it. our itinerary did not have us in bkk on those days at all, so a lot of things would have to be changed, but we'll see! thanks for the help
