Bang Pa--In Palace, A Royal Retreat with Global Architectural Harmony

Bang Pa In Palace, 3477, Bang Pa in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, 13160, Thailand
The palace has traditional Thai architecture
4.1

Introduction

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, located 20 kilometers south of Ayutthaya on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, is the most beautiful and largest summer palace in Thailand. It was originally built in 1632 and served as a royal retreat. Due to Ayutthaya being captured several times, the palace was abandoned for 80 years. In the 17th century, the Thai royal family began to rebuild the summer palace as a summer retreat. In the late 19th century, King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn carried out restoration and expansion projects. The architecture of the palace combines Thai, Chinese, and Western styles, with three main palaces in Burmese, Chinese, and Gothic styles. The Chinese-style "Aisawan Thiphya-At" Pavilion showcases interesting variations in the spread of Chinese culture. King Chulalongkorn, one of the greatest kings in Thai history, introduced Western ideas and embraced cultural diversity, giving Bang Pa-In Summer Palace a unique artistic atmosphere. Visitors can explore the king's life, see the throne, and learn about the history of the palace. Although the current King Rama X rarely visits the summer palace, the royal regulations and armed soldiers are still maintained. Before entering the palace, visitors should dress neatly and adhere to etiquette, including removing shoes and covering legs.
Address
Bang Pa In Palace, 3477, Bang Pa in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, 13160, Thailand
Opening hours
Opening hours: 8:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm. The courtyard is open until 5:00pm.
Transportation
As the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace is located between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, you can choose to depart from either Bangkok or Ayutthaya.