Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
Thai, Chinese & European style buildings
Less than an hours drive North of Bangkok and just a few kilometers from Ayutthaya lies the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.
The original Palace was built by King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya in the first half of the 17th century. When Ayutthaya was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, Bang Pa-In Palace was left abandoned for almost a century.
During the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 1850’s some of the Palace was rebuilt. Most of the buildings of Bang Pa-In Palace today date from the late 19th century. The Palace is still used by the Royal Family.
Versailles like atmosphere
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.
The buildings of Bang Pa-In Palace
Thai style pavilion
Maybe best known is the Aisawan Thiphya-Art Sala (Thai style pavilion) in a small lake, which is also called “The divine seat of personal freedom”. This structure was built in traditional Thai architecture during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and it contains a statue of the King.
This is the only building on the Palace grounds built in traditional Thai architectural style. This Royal Sala is a copy of the Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Pavilion in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, was built by King Rama IV.
“Heavenly Light”
Built in a very different style is the Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun, meaning “Heavenly Light”. This Chinese style two story mansion was a gift from the Chinese to King Chulalongkorn presented in 1889. The throne room on the ground floor contains a throne in Chines style, the second floor contains a shrine dedicated to King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn. It is a beautiful building full of fine decorations, art and Chinese furniture.
“Excellent and Shining Heavenly Abode”
The Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman or “Excellent and Shining Heavenly Abode” is a one storey Royal mansion built in neo classical style. This building has a very European look and contains the throne hall. The buildings interior is richly decorated with beautiful paintings and has a very aristocratic feel. Today the mansion is still in use as private quarters for the Royal Family.
“Sages Lookout”
The Ho Withun Tasana or “Sages Lookout” was built by King Rama V in 1881. It somewhat resembles a lighthouse painted in several red and yellow colors and was used to observe the surrounding area.
Wat Niwet Thamprawat
The Wat Niwet Thamprawat 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.
“Garden of the Secured Land”
The Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian or “Garden of the Secured Land” was built in 1877 and was King Chulalongkorn’s favorite residence. The original wooden building that looked like a Swiss chalet was completely destroyed by a fire in 1938 and was rebuilt at the end of the 20th century.
How to get to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
The Palace is located in Ayutthaya province some 60 kilometers away from Bangkok and can be reached in several ways.
Taxi
The most comfortable and quickest way is by private taxi. Most hotels in Bangkok can arrange one for you, or you can stop one on the street. Be sure to use a metered taxi, the fare should be around 1,000 Baht one way.
Train
In around one and a half hours you can reach Bang Pa-In train station from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok. From the train station there are samlor taxis to the Palace for a small fee. For details on departure times and fares, check the State Railway of Thailand website.
Bus
From Bangkok’s northern bus terminal Morchit you can catch a bus that runs every half hour to Ayutthaya that stops in Bang Pa-In.
Book a tour
You can also book a full day tour of Bang Pa-In Palace and Ayutthaya.
Dress code
Since this is a Royal Palace, please dress appropriately. You can rent clothing at the entrance for a small fee, which will be returned to you when you return the clothes.
Opening hours
The Summer Palace is open daily from 8:30 am until 4 pm.
Some buildings are closed to the public.
Entrance fee
Admission charged at the ticket booth is (Thai Baht):
Golf carts are available for rent at 450 Thai Baht for the first hour, and 100 Baht per additional hour.
Other attractions in Bang Pa-In & Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Historical Park Tours
- From Bangkok
- Private or group tour
- Also visit other highlights like Bang Pa-In Summer Palace