Rating: 3.7/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Monday–Sunday (open daily)

Opening Hours: 24 hours for the memorial grounds and seaside park; the museum building generally follows official hours or opens during special events)

 

Yuttanavi Memorial Monument at Ko Chang is one of the most significant historical sites in Trat Province and an important landmark of the Royal Thai Navy. Located along the coastline of Laem Ngop, this memorial overlooks the sea and the area where the historic Naval Battle of Ko Chang took place in 1941. The site serves not only as a place of remembrance for the bravery of Thai naval officers, but also as a seaside recreational area for the people of Trat and nearby provinces, where visitors can walk along the shoreline, pay respects at the monument, and learn about national history in a peaceful atmosphere.

 

The most prominent feature upon arriving is the monument of Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, known nationwide as “Sadet Tia,” the Father of the Royal Thai Navy. The statue faces the sea, symbolically watching over the waters where the naval battle once took place. The surrounding plaza is used for ceremonies, offerings, and annual commemorations. Throughout the year, visitors come to pay their respects, light incense, and offer flowers to honor the Prince and seek blessings for safe travels, prosperity, and personal endeavors.

 

One side of the memorial grounds features a museum building shaped like a warship. Its exterior resembles a naval vessel anchored ashore, clearly reflecting the identity of the Royal Thai Navy. Inside, historical exhibits detail the life and contributions of the Prince of Chumphon, his role in modernizing the navy, as well as comprehensive information about the Naval Battle of Ko Chang—covering the political context, troop movements, actual battle sequences, outcomes, and losses.

 

The Naval Battle of Ko Chang occurred on 17 January 1941, during a turbulent period in Indochina. France was weakened by the war in Europe, while Siam sought to regain territories previously lost. Tensions between the two nations escalated into a naval confrontation off the coast of Trat, near the islands around Ko Chang.

 

Although the French fleet had greater firepower and more advanced warships, the Royal Thai Navy fought with exceptional courage despite being outmatched. The battle resulted in significant losses for Thailand, yet it has been remembered as a “Battle of Honor,” symbolizing the determination to defend national sovereignty. The event remains a major historical reference point for the development of naval strategy and maritime defense in Thailand.

 

The Yuttanavi Memorial Monument was designed to be both a place of remembrance and an educational site. Visitors can explore exhibition boards, historical photographs, ship models, maps, documents, and details of the Thai vessels involved—such as HTMS Thonburi, HTMS Chonburi, and HTMS Songkhla—allowing them to connect textbook history with tangible displays.

 

Culturally, the memorial also serves as a “shared memory space” for the people of Trat and communities along the eastern coast. Many families have relatives who once served in the navy or have heard accounts of the battle from elders. Visiting this site becomes a personal connection between family histories and national history, making it more meaningful than a simple sightseeing stop.

 

For devotees of the Prince of Chumphon, the memorial is an important spiritual site. Many believe in his protective blessings, particularly for maritime safety, career advancement in the navy, or even personal achievements. Thus, the area sees continuous worshippers throughout the year, especially before voyages or important milestones.

 

The landscape around the memorial has been developed into a serene seaside park with shaded seating areas, walking paths, and panoramic views of the Trat shoreline. At certain hours, visitors can watch fishing boats and ferries passing toward the surrounding islands, making it an excellent place to relax, photograph, or simply sit quietly while contemplating the past.

 

Every year from 17–21 January, the site hosts the major event “Thai Navy Heroism Day – Naval Battle of Ko Chang Commemoration”. The event includes wreath-laying ceremonies, military rituals, merit-making for fallen sailors, naval demonstrations, and special exhibitions. The atmosphere blends solemn remembrance with patriotic pride among participants.

 

This annual event transforms the memorial into an “open-air classroom,” connecting the navy, government agencies, students, and local communities. It promotes reflection on national sovereignty and appreciation for the sacrifices made by Thai naval officers.

 

In modern times, the memorial remains a favorite stop for travelers heading to Ko Chang or Ko Kood. Many visitors choose to stop here before boarding the ferry, adding a cultural and historical dimension to their beach holiday. Families, students, photographers, and history enthusiasts frequently visit to enjoy both the peaceful scenery and meaningful stories embedded in the location.

 

Looking more deeply, the Yuttanavi Memorial Monument reveals the human side of war—not just statistics or military outcomes, but the sacrifice of individual sailors, the families they left behind, and the challenges Thailand faced during an era dominated by global powers. Standing at Laem Ngop’s shoreline feels like opening a historical chapter that contains both beauty and pain.

 

Getting There: To reach the memorial from Bangkok by private car, take Highway No. 7 (Bangkok–Chonburi Motorway) toward Chonburi. When you see signs for Ban Bueng–Chanthaburi, turn left onto Highway No. 344 and continue for nearly 100 km until you reach Klaeng Junction. Turn left onto Highway No. 3 (Sukhumvit Road).

 

Continue approximately 60 km until you reach Plub Pla Intersection, then turn right toward Trat town. From downtown Trat, drive about 16 km to Laem Ngop District. About 0.3 km before Laem Ngop Pier, turn right and continue roughly 1 km. The memorial will appear on the left-hand side along the coastline.

 

Travelers using public transportation can take a bus from Bangkok to the Trat Bus Terminal, then hire a taxi or take a local songthaew to Laem Ngop District. Tell the driver to go to the Yuttanavi Memorial Monument or Laem Ngop Pier. From the drop-off point, it's only a short walk to the memorial area.

 

Visitors should dress respectfully, maintain a peaceful atmosphere, and avoid touching or climbing on the monument. Photography is generally allowed, though some museum displays may restrict shooting depending on preservation requirements. Follow staff instructions when exhibitions are open.

 

A recommended visit can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Travelers may include this location as part of a half-day itinerary along with Laem Ngop Pier, the lighthouse viewpoint, or a pre-trip stop before heading to Ko Chang or Ko Kood. Combining seaside relaxation with historical learning makes for a deeper and more memorable travel experience.

 

 

A: It is a memorial dedicated to the naval battle between the Royal Thai Navy and French naval forces in 1941. The site includes the monument of the Prince of Chumphon, a warship-shaped museum, and a seaside public park. It serves as both a historical learning site and a recreational space for locals and visitors.

 

A: The outdoor memorial and park area are open 24 hours daily. The museum building generally opens during official hours or special events; checking ahead is recommended.

 

A: No. Entry to the memorial grounds and park is free. Some special exhibitions or events may charge separate fees.

 

A: Exhibits include the biography of the Prince of Chumphon, the development of the Royal Thai Navy, documents, maps, photographs, and models related to the Naval Battle of Ko Chang.

 

A: Every year from 17–21 January, featuring ceremonies, naval rituals, exhibitions, and public activities honoring the Thai sailors who served in the battle.

 

A: A basic visit takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. For museum exhibits and full seaside relaxation, allow 1–2 hours.

 

A: History lovers, naval enthusiasts, families, students, photographers, and travelers en route to Ko Chang or Ko Kood. It’s also an important spiritual site for devotees of the Prince of Chumphon.

 

A: Drive or take local transport approximately 16 km to Laem Ngop District, then follow signs to Laem Ngop Pier. The memorial is about 1 km before the pier.

 

A: Yes. Laem Ngop has many seafood restaurants and small guesthouses within 1–2 km of the memorial, as well as numerous beachfront resorts near the Ko Chang ferry piers.