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The Pali Rang Thawip is one of four Krabi Class barges with Vali, the king of Kishkindha at the prow. Vali was a charsacter from the Hindu epic, the <i>Ramayana</i>.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krut Hern Het is one of two Krut Class barges with garuda figureheads.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Suphannahongse (Suphannahong), the King's personal barge, was carved out of one teak tree and completed in 1911.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
The photograph is from a series documenting the Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885-86) made by Hooper while serving as Provost Marshal with the British army. Thibaw was the last king of Burma and ruled from 1878 until 1885, when he was deposed and exiled to India by the British. The Burma Expeditionary Force entered Mandalay, the Burmese royal capital, on 28 November, beginning an occupation of the city, and the war culminated in the annexation of Upper Burma by the British on 1 January 1886.<br/><br/> Burmese state barges were magnificent gilded vessels roofed by a tiered spire (pyatthat) denoting sacred royal space, and a prow in the form of a mythical beast or celestial spirit. They were used by kings, courtiers and high officials in spectacular ceremonial processions and water festivals. At Mandalay the barge was moored on the moat which surrounded the city.<br/><br/> Hooper describes the barge and the use to which it was put during the occupation in a caption accompanying the photograph: 'This is a very gorgeous affair, the whole of it is gilded over, and it has a wonderful looking prow in the form of an eagle. The usual bits of looking glass have not been omitted in its decoration. Theebaw and his Queen used to be towed round the moat in this, on some of the rare occasions when he ventured out of the palace enclosure. It is now moored alongside the berm near the northeast corner of the city, where the 'Gymkhana' sports of the Garrison are held, and serves as a refreshment room, a very necessary adjunct to any athletic sports in the tropics'.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Coal and other goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
The Chang Jiang (Yangzi River) is the longest river in China and third longest in the world. Known upstream as the Golden Sand River, it flows through the geographical, spiritual and historical heart of China.<br/><br/> From its source in the Tanggula Mountains of Qinghai province, the Yangzi flows southeast through Tibet as the Tongtian, turns south, then north as the Jinsha, and becomes the Yangzi proper after Yibin in Sichuan. Here, it swings eastwards once again, crossing Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces to reach the East China Sea at Shanghai. Its source-to-mouth length is 6,300 km (3,915 miles).
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
China: Goods being transported on the Huangpu Jiang (Huangpu River) from the Yangzi (Yangtze) River, Shanghai. Shanghai began life as a fishing village, and later as a port receiving goods carried down the Yangzi River. From 1842 onwards, in the aftermath of the first Opium War, the British opened a ‘concession’ in Shanghai where traders could operate undisturbed. French, Italians, Germans, Americans and Japanese all followed. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was a boom town. When the Communists won power in 1949, they transformed Shanghai into a model of the Revolution.
Mandalay, a sprawling city of more than 1 million people, was founded in 1857 by King Mindon to coincide with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was believed that Gautama Buddha visited the sacred mount of Mandalay Hill with his disciple Ananda, and proclaimed that on the 2,400th anniversary of his death, a metropolis of Buddhist teaching would be founded at the foot of the hill.
Mandalay, a sprawling city of more than 1 million people, was founded in 1857 by King Mindon to coincide with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was believed that Gautama Buddha visited the sacred mount of Mandalay Hill with his disciple Ananda, and proclaimed that on the 2,400th anniversary of his death, a metropolis of Buddhist teaching would be founded at the foot of the hill.
Mandalay, a sprawling city of more than 1 million people, was founded in 1857 by King Mindon to coincide with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was believed that Gautama Buddha visited the sacred mount of Mandalay Hill with his disciple Ananda, and proclaimed that on the 2,400th anniversary of his death, a metropolis of Buddhist teaching would be founded at the foot of the hill.
Wat Pong Sanuk Tai or 'The Monastery of the Southern Fun Marsh' was built in the late 18th century combining Burmese and Lanna styles of architecture.<br/><br/> The temple's mondop is one of the finest examples of its type and is a marvelous blend of Lanna and Burmese workmanship.<br/><br/> Lampang was originally founded during the 7th century Dvaravati period. Nothing remains from these early times, but the city is rich in temples, many of which have a distinctly Burmese flavour as Lampang had a substantial Burmese population in the 19th century, most of whom were involved in the logging industry.
Wat Pong Sanuk Tai or 'The Monastery of the Southern Fun Marsh' was built in the late 18th century combining Burmese and Lanna styles of architecture.<br/><br/> The temple's mondop is one of the finest examples of its type and is a marvelous blend of Lanna and Burmese workmanship.<br/><br/> Lampang was originally founded during the 7th century Dvaravati period. Nothing remains from these early times, but the city is rich in temples, many of which have a distinctly Burmese flavour as Lampang had a substantial Burmese population in the 19th century, most of whom were involved in the logging industry.
The British conquest of Burma began in 1824 in response to a Burmese attempt to invade India. By 1886, and after two further wars, Britain had incorporated the entire country into the British Raj. To stimulate trade and facilitate changes, the British brought in Indians and Chinese, who quickly displaced the Burmese in urban areas. To this day Rangoon and Mandalay have large ethnic Indian populations. Railways and schools were built, as well as a large number of prisons, including the infamous Insein Prison, then as now used for political prisoners.<br/><br/> Burmese resentment was strong and was vented in violent riots that paralysed Rangoon on occasion all the way until the 1930s. Burma was administered as a province of British India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony. Burma finally gained independence from Britain on January 4, 1948.
Faced with the unsurpassable Khone mountain range that separated the lower from the middle Mekong, the French initiated in 1893 the construction of a 160-m bridge and a 7-km railway track to transfer launches between the two stretches of river. This improved exponentially trade and transport between Laos and Cambodia.
The River Mekong is the world's 12th-longest river. From its Himalayan source on the Tibetan plateau, it flows some 4,350 km (2,703 miles) through China's Yunnan province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, finally draining in the South China Sea. The recent construction of hydroelectric dams on the river and its tributaries has reduced the water flow dramatically during the dry season in Southeast Asia.
The Konbaung Dynasty was the last dynasty that ruled Burma (Myanmar), from 1752 to 1885. The dynasty created the second largest empire in Burmese history, and continued the administrative reforms begun by the Toungoo dynasty, laying the foundations of modern state of Burma. The reforms proved insufficient to stem the advance of the British, who defeated the Burmese in all three Anglo-Burmese Wars over a six-decade span (1824–1885) and ended the millennium-old Burmese monarchy in 1885.
The River Mekong is the world's 12th-longest river. From its Himalayan source on the Tibetan plateau, it flows some 4,350 km (2,703 miles) through China's Yunnan province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, finally draining in the South China Sea. The recent construction of hydroelectric dams on the river and its tributaries has reduced the water flow dramatically during the dry season in Southeast Asia.
Conquered by France in 1859, Saigon was influenced by the French during their colonial occupation of Vietnam, and a number of classical Western-style buildings in the city reflect this, so much so that Saigon was called the 'Pearl of the Far East' or the 'Paris in the Orient'. In 1929, Saigon had a population of 123,890, which included 12,100 French.
The French embassy was established in the Siamese capital Ayutthaya in 1685.<br/><br/> In this drawing, a royal barge is illustrated in the foreground while King Somdet Phra Narai the Great (Somdet Phra Ramathibodi III) looks on from the shore.<br/><br/> The Siamese, or Thais, moved from their ancestral home in southern China into mainland Southeast Asia around the 10th century CE. Prior to this, Indianized kingdoms such as the Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms ruled the region. The Thais established their own states starting with Sukhothai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Mai and Lanna Kingdom, before the founding of the Ayutthaya kingdom. These states fought each other and were under constant threat from the Khmers, Burma and Vietnam.<br/><br/> Much later, the European colonial powers threatened in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but Thailand survived as the only Southeast Asian state to avoid colonial rule. After the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand endured 60 years of almost permanent military rule before the establishment of a democratic elected-government system.
Zanzibar (from Arabic: زنجبار‎ Zanjibār, from Persian: زنگبار‎ Zangibār'Coast of Blacks'; zangi [black-skinned] + bār [coast]) is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar), and Pemba.<br/><br/> The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City. Its historic centre, known as Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site and is claimed to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.<br/><br/> Zanzibar's main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism. In particular, the islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. For this reason, the islands, together with Tanzania's Mafia Island, are sometimes called the Spice Islands (a term also associated with the Maluku Islands in Indonesia).
The River Mekong is the world's 12th-longest river. From its Himalayan source on the Tibetan plateau, it flows some 4,350 km (2,703 miles) through China's Yunnan province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, finally draining in the South China Sea. The recent construction of hydroelectric dams on the river and its tributaries has reduced the water flow dramatically during the dry season in Southeast Asia.
Edwin Lord Weeks (1849 – 1903), American artist and Orientalist, was born at Boston, Massachusetts, in 1849. He was a pupil of Léon Bonnat and of Jean-Léon Gérôme, at Paris. He made many voyages to the East, and was distinguished as a painter of oriental scenes.<br/><br> Weeks' parents were affluent spice and tea merchants from Newton, a suburb of Boston and as such they were able to accept, probably encourage, and certainly finance their son's youthful interest in painting and travelling.<br/><br> As a young man Edwin Lord Weeks visited the Florida Keys to draw and also travelled to Surinam in South America. His earliest known paintings date from 1867 when Edwin Lord Weeks was eighteen years old. In 1895 he wrote and illustrated a book of travels, From the Black Sea through Persia and India.
Vientiane, formerly Sri Sattanak, was razed to the ground and looted by Siamese armies in 1827. The city was left in grave disrepair and became overgrown and nearly unpopulated until the French colonists arrived and took over the region in 1893. Vientiane became the capital of the French protectorate of Laos in 1899 and was rebuilt with renovated Buddhist temples surrounded by French architecture. Vientiane remained the ‘chef-lieu’- the district capital – of French Laos until 1949.
The River Mekong is the world's 12th-longest river. From its Himalayan source on the Tibetan plateau, it flows some 4,350 km (2,703 miles) through China's Yunnan province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, finally draining in the South China Sea. The recent construction of hydroelectric dams on the river and its tributaries has reduced the water flow dramatically during the dry season in Southeast Asia.
The River Mekong is the world's 12th-longest river. From its Himalayan source on the Tibetan plateau, it flows some 4,350 km (2,703 miles) through China's Yunnan province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, finally draining in the South China Sea. The recent construction of hydroelectric dams on the river and its tributaries has reduced the water flow dramatically during the dry season in Southeast Asia.
Emperor Jiajing, 12th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1521-1567). Personal Name: Zhu Houcong, Zhū Hòucōng. Posthumous Name: Sudi, Sùdì. Temple Name: Shizong, Shìzōng. Reign Name: Ming Jiajing, Ming Jiājìng.<br/><br/> The Jiajing Emperor was the 12th Ming Dynasty Emperor of China who ruled from 1521 to 1567. His era name means 'Admirable Tranquility'. After 45 years on the throne (the second longest reign in the Ming Dynasty), Emperor Jiajing died in 1567 – possibly due to mercury overdose – and was succeeded by his son, the Longqing Emperor. Though his long rule gave the dynasty an era of stability, Jiajing's neglect of his official duties resulted in the decline of the dynasty at the end of the 16th century.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
Thot Kathin is an important annual ceremony for Buddhists in Thailand and neighbouring countries. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season when monks are free to leave their monasteries and wander or go on pilgrimage. At this time, local devotees offer new robes and other essentials to the monks. Sponsoring a Kathin ceremony is considered a noble way of making merit in Thai society. Traditionally, the King of Thailand makes a donation to the monks at the temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok and travels down the Chao Phraya River in his royal barge to attend the ceremony.
Klong Rangsit, or Rangsit Canal, was the first irrigation project in Siam and is located in the eastern part of the Chao Phraya valley in central Thailand. Construction of the canal was ordered by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1890, and was named in honour of his son, Rangsit, Prince of Chainat.
Thot Kathin is an important annual ceremony for Buddhists in Thailand and neighbouring countries. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season when monks are free to leave their monasteries and wander or go on pilgrimage. At this time, local devotees offer new robes and other essentials to the monks. Sponsoring a Kathin ceremony is considered a noble way of making merit in Thai society. Traditionally, the King of Thailand makes a donation to the monks at the temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok and travels down the Chao Phraya River in his royal barge to attend the ceremony.
Thot Kathin is an important annual ceremony for Buddhists in Thailand and neighbouring countries. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season when monks are free to leave their monasteries and wander or go on pilgrimage. At this time, local devotees offer new robes and other essentials to the monks. Sponsoring a Kathin ceremony is considered a noble way of making merit in Thai society. Traditionally, the King of Thailand makes a donation to the monks at the temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok and travels down the Chao Phraya River in his royal barge to attend the ceremony.
Thot Kathin is an important annual ceremony for Buddhists in Thailand and neighbouring countries. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season when monks are free to leave their monasteries and wander or go on pilgrimage. At this time, local devotees offer new robes and other essentials to the monks. Sponsoring a Kathin ceremony is considered a noble way of making merit in Thai society. Traditionally, the King of Thailand makes a donation to the monks at the temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok and travels down the Chao Phraya River in his royal barge to attend the ceremony.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
Bangkok was little more than a small port at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River until the Burmese sacked the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767. The royal capital was moved to Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, then, after the death of King Taksin, to Bangkok on the east bank, heralding the Rattanakosin era (1782—1932) of the Chakri Dynasty. Siam underwent a period of great modernisation under King Mongkut, Rama IV (r. 1851—68) and King Chulalongkorn (r. 1868—1910). Today, Bangkok has a population of some 10 million and is a major hub of trade and commerce, as well as Thailand's political and social center.
Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan (Rakang) was originally built during the Ayutthaya Period (1351 - 1767), but was renovated by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I, 20 March 1736 – 7 September 1809), and sits on the Thonburi side of Bangkok's Chao Phraya River. Rama I lived within the temple compound before he became king.
The Krabi Prap Mueang Man is one of four Krabi Class barges with the monkey god, Hanuman at the prow.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krabi Prap Mueang Man is one of four Krabi Class barges with the monkey god, Hanuman at the prow.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Narai Song Suban H. M. King Rama IX was added to the barge collection in 1996 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th year on the throne of Thailand.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Asura Paksi barge is an Asura class barge. The figurehead straddling the cannon is a Demon King, half ogre, half bird.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Anantanakharat (Anantanakaraj) barge was built during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), and launched in 1914.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Anekchatphuchong barge is the oldest of the four main barges and was used during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Asura Paksi barge is an Asura class barge. The figurehead straddling the cannon is a Demon King, half ogre, half bird.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Anantanakharat (Anantanakaraj) barge was built during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), and launched in 1914.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krut Hern Het is one of two Krut Class barges with garuda figureheads.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Suphannahongse (Suphannahong), the King's personal barge, was carved out of one teak tree and completed in 1911.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Narai Song Suban H. M. King Rama IX was added to the barge collection in 1996 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th year on the throne of Thailand.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krabi Prap Mueang Man is one of four Krabi Class barges with the monkey god, Hanuman at the prow.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krut Hern Het is one of two Krut Class barges with garuda figureheads.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's Royal Barge Procession (Thai: Krabuan Phayuhayattra Chonlamak) is a ceremony of both religious and royal significance which has been taking place in Siam for nearly 700 years. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej—spanning over 60 years—the Procession has only occurred 16 times. The Royal Barge Procession, at the present time, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge—the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po, and finally arrives at Wat Arun (The Temple of the Dawn).