Short answer
The Royal Barge Procession takes place on Friday 6 November 2026 on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. About 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel row 52 barges from Wasukri Pier past the Grand Palace to Wat Arun for the Royal Kathin robe ceremony. The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects an afternoon start, with viewing areas opening from about 3 pm. The free ticket booking closed in September, but the Navy has invited the public to watch from both riverbanks.
52 gilded barges will row to Wat Arun on 6 November
The Royal Barge Procession takes place on Friday 6 November 2026, for the Royal Kathin ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, in celebrations for Queen Suthida's 48th birthday, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The Royal Thai Navy held its second full-dress rehearsal on 28 October, the Nation reported.
The procession will have 52 barges and about 2,200 naval personnel, in five columns and three lines, about 1,280 metres long and 90 metres wide. The Suphannahong carries the royal throne and the Anantanakkharat carries the Kathin robes, the Nation reported. TAT says the river is cleared of ferries and longtails while the fleet passes.
The route and where the public can watch
TAT gives the route as Wasukri Pier, Phra Sumen Fort, Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Siriraj Hospital, the Grand Palace and the Royal Thai Navy Auditorium, ending at Wat Arun. It expects an afternoon start, with viewing areas opening from around 3 pm.
The Navy has invited the public to both banks between Rama VIII Bridge and Wat Arun. On the Thon Buri side the Nation lists the area under Rama VIII Bridge, the 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park beside Siriraj Hospital, Wat Rakhang Khositaram Pier and Wat Arun. On the Phra Nakhon side it lists Santichaiprakan Public Park, Tha Maharaj and Tha Chang.
Tickets and rehearsals
The Navy offered free tickets for designated riverside areas, but TAT says bookings were open only from 8 to 16 September, and the window has closed. TAT advises checking the current Navy announcement for any remaining access.
Twelve rehearsals ran from 17 August to 28 October, including full-dress sessions on 21 and 28 October. The last of them has now passed, so the procession on 6 November is the next time the fleet is on the river.
What it means for a Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun day
Our Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun tour meets at about 8:30 am near the Grand Palace, crosses the river by ferry to Wat Arun and ends at about 12:30 pm. That is before the afternoon start TAT expects. TAT does not give the hours of the river clearance, so we confirm the details of every 6 November booking one by one.
The Grand Palace can also close early or for a whole day for royal ceremonies, and its official calendar lists the dates. If your date is 6 November, tell us on WhatsApp and we confirm the meeting point and the ferry before you pay. Our guide to Grand Palace hours and dress code shows where to check.
Practical checklist
- Arrive at your chosen riverbank spot well before 3 pm if you plan to watch on 6 November.
- Check the Royal Thai Navy's current announcement for any ticketed areas still open.
- Book riverside restaurant tables early; TAT warns they fill quickly.
- Cover your shoulders and knees if you visit a temple on the same day.
- If you hold a temple-tour booking for 6 November, ask us about the meeting point.
Questions and answers
When is the Royal Barge Procession in 2026?
Friday 6 November 2026. TAT expects it to start in the afternoon, with viewing areas open from around 3 pm. It is part of the Royal Kathin ceremony at Wat Arun.
Do I need a ticket to watch?
The free tickets for designated areas were bookable only from 8 to 16 September. The Navy has also invited the public to gather along both banks from Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun, according to the Nation.
How many barges take part?
52 barges with about 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel, in a formation about 1,280 metres long and 90 metres wide, according to the Navy's briefing reported by the Nation.
Is the river open to ferries during the procession?
TAT says the river is cleared of ferries and longtails while the barges pass. It does not give the hours, so allow extra time for any river crossing on 6 November.