The Bang Pa-In palace is the summer palace of the Thai kings. It is located about 15 km south of the city of Ayutthaya and 50 km north of Bangkok at the Chao Phraya River. It was named after the island on which it was erected and which lies at a current loop of the river.
History
Originally the palace was built around 1600 by King Prast Thong, who was also born here. All subsequent kings used this palace until the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, during which the palace was also destroyed.
King Mongkut, Rama IV, revived this place. He and his son, the successor King Chulalongkorn (Phra Bat Somdet, Rama V) had built a new palace with many European elements. Before Mongkut became king, he enjoyed an education as a monk, which led him on extended journeys not only through Thailand but above all also to Europe. His son opened Thailand to the West.
From the recently deceased King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) the area was used for state receptions.
Visiting Bang Pa-In Palace
We very much enjoy the tour very much in this spacious area. The tranquility is very welcome after the hustle of Bangkok. Large meadows and waters convey a place of rest.
Already from afar we see Wat Niwet Thamaprawat, probably the most unusual Buddhist temple. It was built under King Chulalongkorn in the style of a Gothic church.
In the central area in the middle of a lake is the Aisawan-Thippayat Pavilion, which houses the life-size statue of Rama V in the center.
In a small pavilion at the lake shore is an exhibition of the Royal carriages.
Behind this is the two-storey Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian, built in the style of a Swiss Chalet.It was the favorite residence of King Chulalongkorn during his stays at the Bang Pa-In Palace. During repairs in 1938, it burned down completely. At the expressed wishes of Queen Sirikit, it was rebuilt in 1996.
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More InformationThis is followed by the most remarkable building, Hor Withun Thasana, an outlook tower reminding of a lighthouse. It was built in 1881 by King Chulalongkorn for viewing the surrounding from a bird’s-eye view.
Further north, we visit the Phra Thinang Wehat Chamrun, a two-storey palace in Chinese style. Chinese merchants had it built in1889 as a gift for King Chulalongkorn. his opening up of markets brought prosperity and a modern administration to Thailand.
King Chulalongkorn is one of the most respected figures in the country. His archive documents are on the list of the UNESCO world documentary heritage.
The palace houses magnificent carvings, reliefs, and paintings. In the early 1900s, Phra Thinang Wehat Chamrun was the favorite residence of King Rama VI in the Bang Pa-In Palace. You can visit the private chambers, but it is not allowed to take photos or videos.
On the way from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, you should plan a stop to visit the Bang Pa-In Palace.
Please read on > Ayutthaya – former capital of Thai Kingdom
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Very nice article and video! I’ll have to figure a way to add this to my day trip to Ayutthaya.
Thank you very much. You should definitely pay a visit