Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was located within Ayutthaya province which was also well known for its historical park and a visit to the Ayutthaya Historical Park shall also incorporated a tour of Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. The palace was built by the then King Prasat Thong which was later being abandoned after Ayutthaya was invaded by the Burmese troops. When King Mongkut (King Rama IV) ascended the throne, Bang Pa-In Palace was being restored but much of what existed today at the palace was credited to King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) who has done substantial restoration and extension to the palace complex. A tour of Bang Pa-In can be easily done on foot. The palace ground was covered extensively with lakes and beautiful landscapes and trees and best explored in the early morning hours. Visitors are required to dress politely as an entrance condition to Bang P-In Palace. Those who did not meet the dress code would still be able to enter subject to deposit requirement to rent the attire from the ticket counter. Overall, its worth a visit to Bang Pa-In if Ayutthaya Historical Park was in your tour itinerary as it highlights the Thai royal institution importance and greatness in the history of Thailand which also served as reminder to the current and next generation of Thais that though the country is under the constitutional monarchy, the respect and the understanding on the role of royal institution in Thailand would remain very important to ensure political stability and harmony in the country remained unscathed. The other highlights of Bang Pa-In Palace other than to display the importance of Thai royal institution was also to showcase the brilliant architecture work and skills of Thais in constructing the palace which served as a summer palace and sometimes as official venue for foreign dignitaries.

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A plaque at the Bang Pa-In Palace entrance gate

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A map of the Bang Pa-In Palace ground

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A massive garden landscape at the entrance of Bang Pa-In Palace

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A canal with flower and tree landscapes @ Bang Pa-In Palace

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The exterior and the interior of Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat, a khmer style prasat (residence of king or god) built by King Chulalongkorn as a dedication to King Prasat Thong,literally means King of Golden Palace

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The trees landscape @ Bang Pa-In Palace

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A directory signboard @ Bang Pa-In Palace

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The entrance road from the main gate of Bang Pa-In Palace lined with lush trees

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Saphakhan Ratchaprayun (assembly Hall for royal families) was the residence of King Chulalongkorn's brothers and their spouses. No photos allowed inside.

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Gra-Jom Tae

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Phra Thinang Aisawan Thiphya-Art is a Thai style pavilion with 4 porches and a spired roof built by King Chulalongkorn. It is a copy of the Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Prasat in the Grand Palace which was built by King Mongkut as a pavilion for changing regalia. This pavilion housed a bronze statue of King Chulalongkorn.

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Doll's Bridge

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This royal residence palace building is a mansion built by King Chulalongkorn as his residence and throne hall. No photos allowed inside.

THE VAROBHAS BHIMAN RESIDENTIAL HALL (ROYAL RESEDENCE)

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SAOVAROD BRIDGE

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Pae Song Bath

THEVARAJ-KANLAI GATE (Royal Carriage Museum Dusit Palace). The horse-drawn carriage was being introduced into Thailand during the Rattanakosin period but not a popular transport mode and only the royal family uses it. After the visit of King Chulalongkorn to Europe only then the horse carriage became popular in Thailand. During King Rama VI, the horse carriage was widely used and he established an office for purpose of preparing and maintaining horses and carriages as well as for training of drivers and the horses.

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THE DISPLAY OF ROYAL CARRIAGES @ DUSIT PALACE ROYAL CARRIAGE MUSEUM @ BANG PA-IN PALACE

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PHRA THINANG UTHAYAN PHUMISATHIAN (Garden of the secured land)

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This was the favourite residence of King Chulalongkorn when he stayed at Bang Pa-In Palace. It was formerly a 2 storey wooden structure built according to Swiss style chalet which was unfortunately burnt down during a minor repairs. The current building was constructed under the instruction from Queen Sirikit.

THE HO WITHUN THASANA (The sages lookout)

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This observatory tower was built by King Chulalongkorn as a look-out tower for viewing of the palace surroundings

PHRA THINANG WEHART CHAMRUN (Heavenly Light Royal Residence)

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This chinese style mansion was built by the Chinese Chambers of Commerce and presented to King Chulalongkorn. The ground floor contained Chinese style throne while the upper floor housed the altar which enshrined the names of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn

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The Memorial of Princess Saovabaha Nariratana & 3 Royal Child in remembrance of King Chulalongkorn's consort and his 3 children death