If you visited IconSiam on its opening weekend (Nov 9), you likely would have noticed a big ship sailing along the Chao Phraya River as part of the luxury mall’s “Eternal Prosperity” riverside show. 

The Sri Mahasamut Ship, it turns out, is actually a riverside floating museum that IconSiam built to commemorate King Taksin the Great for the 250th anniversary of the Krung Thonburi Kingdom. 

Modeled after the Red Head Junks, or Ang Thau Tsung, as the Teochew people called them, the museum showcases the life and legacy of King Taksin the Great, while also taking visitors back to the glory days of the 18th century when Krung Thonburi was a major port on the international trade route. 

The exhibitions are divided into three zones. Start the tour in the Captain’s Cabin to learn the history of the ship trade, the building and relocation of Krung Thonburi’s capital and how the kingdom became the port city for commerce, before experiencing the atmosphere of life on-board for the cabin crew. Lastly, the Civilization Archive tells of King Taksin the Great's initiatives to rebuild and unify the country, his prowess in warfare, as well as the history of trade relations and diplomacy between Thonburi and China. 

There are also hands-on activities for visitors to try, such as hoisting a cargo crate like crew members back in ancient times or changing into national costumes and taking photos with the Civilization Archive through Kinetic technology. 

To recharge your energy before shopping at IconSiam, there’s also a cafe area on-board to get your quick fix of coffee and snacks. You can also head up to the top deck to enjoy picturesque views of the Chao Phraya River.  

Free entry. The Sri Mahasamut Ship, River Park, IconSiam. Open daily 10am-10pm until Jan 13, 2019. From BTS Saphan Taksin, take exit 2 and then catch a shuttle boat labeled with IconSiam signage at Sathorn Pier.