The Thai Boat Museum is located in a large traditional Thai house surrounded by a variety of trees in the province of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. It is a private museum born from the love and connection with water and boats of its founder, Professor Phaitoon Khaomala. He dedicated both his physical efforts and financial resources, including his pension and money from selling land, to collect and preserve various types of Thai boats for future generations to learn from. Inside, the museum is divided into three main sections: * **The Ancient Boat Building:** This section showcases ancient boats that are over a hundred years old, which were actually used in the past, such as the Chala boat, the mat propped boat, the mat pavilion boat, and the large boat carved from a whole sugar palm tree. * **The Traditional Thai Building:** This area displays meticulously crafted model boats created by Professor Phaitoon, including ceremonial replica boats like the Suphanahongse, the Narai Song Suban boat of King Rama IX, and the Ananta Nakharaj boat. Additionally, there are models of various types of trading vessels, mail boats, motorboats, and local Thai boats, as well as rare ancient boat-building tools. * **The Outdoor Area:** This section exhibits large boats outdoors, such as the teak Khachaeng boat used for transporting unhusked rice, and spice boats. Getting here is not difficult at all. You can take the route into Ayutthaya from the Rohjana Road, cross the Somdet Phra Naresuan bridge, pass by Ayutthaya College and Wat Mahathat. About 500 meters from the Wat Mahathat intersection, you will see the museum sign on your right. The museum opens every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and does not charge an entrance fee.
Photo Credit: Thai boat museum
Thai Boat Museum
Province: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

