Travel like the wind : Suchart Choolee
Under the strong afternoon sun, as clouds drift across the sky in ever-changing shapes, the view ahead is dominated by the Aisawan Thipphaya-At Pavilion. Housing a statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), it stands majestically in the middle of a pond. The surrounding scenery, lush and remarkably beautiful, is befitting of its history as a royal summer palace on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Its story began with King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya, who commissioned the construction of a temple, Wat Chumphon Nikayaram, on his mother’s former estate. To celebrate the birth of his son, Prince Narai, he also built a pavilion in the pond, naming it the Aisawan Thipphaya-At Pavilion.
After the second fall of Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-In Palace was abandoned and left to decay. It re-entered the public consciousness thanks to Thailand’s great poet, Sunthorn Phu, who, while accompanying King Rama I to worship the Buddha’s Footprint in Saraburi, wrote of the palace’s past beauty in his travel poem, Nirat Phra Bat.
During the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), while visiting Ayutthaya, he passed the palace and was captivated by its serene surroundings. He ordered its restoration, commissioning a new residence, a hall for the royal ladies, a riverside pavilion, and a pavilion on the island, as well as renovating Wat Chumphon Nikayaram.
Later, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the palace underwent its most significant transformation. The King saw Bang Pa-In as an ideal retreat—a quiet island with excellent river access and a place of fond memories of his father. He initiated a major building program, constructing numerous magnificent thrones, halls, and mansions to be used as a royal residence, a venue for receiving foreign dignitaries, and a summer retreat, shaping it into the grand palace we see today.
A visit to Bang Pa-In Palace, taken without rush, is an invitation to slow down, to let go of thoughts and expectations, and to simply immerse yourself in the moment. Despite the heat, every step within the palace grounds reveals more than just stories from a book; it is a personal encounter with the grandeur, beauty, and enduring legacy passed down through generations.
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History and Significance of Bang Pa-In Palace
First built in 1632 by King Prasat Thong.
Abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767.
Restored and significantly expanded by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the mid-19th century, and especially by his son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) between 1872 and 1889.
King Chulalongkorn’s European tours heavily influenced the diverse architecture within the palace.
It served as a summer retreat for Siamese monarchs, a venue to host foreign ambassadors, and a site for important ceremonies.
Today, it is rarely used by the Royal Family but remains a valuable historical site open to the public.
Architectural Diversity and Key Buildings
Aisawan Thipphaya-At Pavilion: An iconic Thai-style pavilion that appears to “float” on a pond, it was a favorite spot for composing poetry.
Wehart Chamrun (Heavenly Light) Mansion: A Chinese-style palace and throne room, exquisitely decorated with ornamental tiles, ebony furnishings, gold, silver, and porcelain. It is often the only building interior open to the general public.
Ho Withun Thasana (Sages’ Lookout): An observatory tower, about 30 meters high, offering views of the surrounding countryside.
Warophat Phiman Mansion: A Neo-Classical/Corinthian Greek-style residence.
Uthayan Phumisathian (Swiss Chalet) Mansion: The original wooden mansion tragically burned down in 1938. It was later rebuilt on the orders of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
The blend of Thai, Chinese, and European (Gothic, Victorian, Greek) architectural styles makes the palace unique and remarkable.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket office closes at 4:00 PM).
Admission Fee:
Thai Adults: 30 Baht
Thai Children/Students: 20 Baht
Foreign Tourists: 100 Baht
Dress Code: A polite dress code is required. For men, no shorts or sleeveless shirts. For women, no sleeveless tops, see-through clothes, or short skirts/shorts above the knee. If your attire is inappropriate, you can rent a covering garment for free with a 200 Baht deposit per item.
Getting Around: The grounds are extensive. Golf carts are available for rent (450 Baht for the first hour, 100 Baht for each subsequent hour).
Getting to Bang Pa-In Palace: The palace is located about 22 km from Ayutthaya city. A songthaew(local bus) on the Ayutthaya – Bang Pa-In route runs from the city to the palace. The fare is approximately 30 Baht, and the journey takes about 50 minutes.
Location: 27 M.8 Udom Sorayuth, Ban Len, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
Phone: (+66) 035 261 044
Nearby Attractions: Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan, a unique Gothic-style temple, is accessible via a small cable car across the river.
References:
Information from on-site descriptive plaques (Bang Pa-In Palace).
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) website.
Personal experience from a trip in June 2025.
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