The Traditional Boat Museum is located within Dong Noi Temple and serves as an important learning center dedicated to the collection and preservation of various types of traditional boats that were once actively used in the Lopburi River and its tributary canals in the past. Lopburi has long been a province with an abundant network of waterways, where rivers played a vital role in daily life, trade, and transportation. Boats were not merely vehicles, but an integral part of the spirit and lifestyle of riverside communities. This museum was established through efforts to collect abandoned boats, as well as boats donated by local villagers to the temple, in order to pass on the traditional Thai boat-building wisdom to future generations.

Inside the museum, more than 100 ancient boats are displayed and systematically categorized into various types, such as dugout boats carved from a single large takian tree, mad boats, rowing boats, iamjun boats, and different kinds of trading boats. In addition, there are boats once used in royal ceremonies or local traditional events, all carefully restored and preserved. Informational displays explain boat-carving techniques, wood selection, and traditional beliefs related to the guardian spirit of boats, known as Mae Ya Nang, reflecting the cultural beliefs of people in earlier times.

The atmosphere within Dong Noi Temple is shaded and tranquil. The museum area is thoughtfully arranged under a large wooden pavilion, allowing visitors to closely admire the shapes, beauty, and fine details of each boat. Beyond the boats themselves, the temple also displays traditional agricultural tools and ancient fishing equipment such as nets, traps, and other local devices. Together, these exhibits make the museum one of the most comprehensive cultural learning centers related to river-based lifestyles in Lopburi Province.

For those interested in archaeology, history, and traditional ways of life, a visit to the Traditional Boat Museum at Dong Noi Temple offers a clear picture of the prosperity of water transportation and trade in the past. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple allows visitors to absorb stories from history through the marks on the wood, signs of use, and the elegant forms of each boat in a deeply meaningful way.

The Traditional Boat Museum at Dong Noi Temple warmly invites visitors to journey back to an era when waterways were the lifeblood of society. It is a place where Thailand’s water-based heritage and local wisdom are carefully preserved, ensuring that their value and stories continue to endure for generations to come.

Private Car:

• From Lopburi city center, take the route toward Kok Ko (the same direction as Ang Sap Lek). Signs for Wat Dong Noi are clearly marked along the way.

Public Transport:

• Use the local Songthaew (Lopburi-Kok Ko route) from the city bus terminal.

Best Time:

• Open daily. Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to enjoy the serene temple atmosphere.

Dress Code:

• Please dress politely as the museum is within temple grounds.

Activities:

• Besides the boats, pay respects to the main Buddha image in the Wat Dong Noi chapel for good blessings.

Conduct:

• Please refrain from touching or climbing onto the ancient boats to help preserve the aged wood.

Admission Fee

• Local visitors: Free (Donations for maintenance are welcomed)

• Foreign visitors: Free

Opening Hours

• Daily 08:30 – 16:30