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The Bang Pa-in Palace
(The Summer Palace)

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The Bang Pa-In Palace, or Summer Palace is the summer palace of the King of Thailand located Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. This is the best palace to visit in 2023. It is 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of Bangkok along the banks of the Chaopraya River. The original palace was constructed by King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya in 1632. The palace was in use until the fall of Ayutthaya and was restored by King Rama V of Chakri Dynasty.

Highlight of Bang Pa-In Palace

The palace complex has an area of 46 acres containing many buildings built in different architectural styles-the Aisawan Thiphya-Art (Divine Seat of Personal Freedom), the pavilion constructed in the middle of a pond. Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrunt (Heavenly Light), a two-storey Chinese-style mansion and throne room; Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman (Excellent and Shining Heavenly Abode), a royal residence; The Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathia, a swiss style chalet; Ho Withun Thasana (Sages’ Lookout), a brightly painted lookout tower.

  • Aisawan Thiphya-Art Sala (Divine Seat of Personal Freedom): This elegant Thai-style pavilion, gracefully perched amidst a serene pond, was built during King Chulalongkorn’s reign (Rama V). It now houses a statue of the king in his Field Marshal uniform.This Royal Sala is a copy of the Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Pavilion in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, which was built by King Rama IV.
  • Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun (Heavenly Light): A two-story Chinese-style mansion, presented by the Chinese community to King Chulalongkorn in 1889, showcases intricate decorations and Chinese furnishings. The ground floor serves as a throne room, while the upper floor enshrines altars dedicated to King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn.
  • Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman (Excellent and Shining Heavenly Abode): King Chulalongkorn commissioned this European neoclassical mansion as his residence and throne hall. Admire the interior adorned with oil paintings depicting significant events from Thai history and literature.
  • Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian (Garden of the Secured Land): Built in 1877, this Swiss chalet-style residence was King Chulalongkorn’s favorite retreat. Originally constructed in wood, it was rebuilt in the 20th century following a devastating fire.
  • The Ho Withun Tasana  (Sages Lookout) was built by King Rama V in 1881 as the observatory tower to observe the surrounding area.

The Wat Niwet Thamprawat is located near the Bang Pa-in palace. It is in fact a Buddhist temple, although it looks like a European Gothic-style Cathedral. It even has the colorful stained glass windows found in European Cathedrals. The temple was built by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who was the first Siamese King to travel to Europe. The temple is located on the other side of the river and can be reached with a cable car crossing the river.

A number of impressive buildings can be found in the Palace complex, built in very different architectural styles, some in classical Thai, some Chinese and some European design. The large landscaped grounds are very well maintained, the neo classical style European buildings give Bang Pa-In Summer Palace a little of a Versailles like atmosphere. A full day can easily be spent in this picturesque and very photogenic place.

For more information about this place, we can provide all-in-one tour service with a professional local guide and transportation according to your preference.

CONTACT : Bunique Travel for private and group tours in Thailand.

E-mail :  buniquetravel@hotmail.com 

Tel/Whatsapp :  +66 98 663 9982