Bang Pa-In: Experience Royal Thai Life At A Stunning Palace Complex

A historical and regal vibe

Although the original palace of Bang Pa-In was built in the 17th century, most of today’s buildings date back to the late 1800s, the site having been abandoned in the interim years and subsequently restored with many additions.

Used as a retreat by many members of the Thai Royal Family over the years, Bang Pa-In Palace is still an official royal residence used on occasion by the royal family to host functions and events.

Towards the rear of the large and spread-out complex you can see a number of surprisingly humble dwellings used by royalty when they stay. Whilst you cannot go inside, informational signs outside each home tell you who uses the different buildings, detailing any interesting facts about the occupier and the structure.

Visitors are, however, allowed to peek inside the Royal Raft that is moored at the water’s edge. You might be surprised at how luxurious a raft can actually be!

Lovely landscaped areas

Stroll along the shaded pathways that lead you around the complex and you’ll pass by large grassy areas with topiaries in various forms, sweet-smelling and colourful flowers, and various plants and trees. There are plenty of picturesque vistas to soak up and peaceful spots to sit for a while in quiet contemplation.

With waterways running through the complex, cross the Doll Bridge for some pretty views. Lined with European-style statues, it can feel almost as though you have been transported to classical Greece or Italy. The Saowaros Bridge also offers pleasant views.

Diverse and interesting architectural styles

The various buildings within Bang Pa-In Palace complex showcase an interesting diversity when it comes to architecture. Somewhat surprisingly, there is only one major building throughout the entire complex in a traditional Thai style, the striking and colourful Aisawan Thipphaya Asna Pavilion that stands proudly in the middle of a pond. There is an over-water viewing platform directly in front of the pavilion, the ideal place for getting the perfect pictures without people wandering in front of the lens. Angle your camera just right and, on a sunny day, you can often snap a great picture of both the pavilion and its shimmering reflection.

The opulent Hall of Wehat Chamrun / the Hall of Heavenly Light was built in a traditional Chinese style, using imported materials and labourers from China. Step inside the grand building and admire the ornate and decadent interiors, complete with mother-of-pearl inlays, dark red carpets, dark wood furnishings, lavish statues, and plenty of gilded edges.

Phra Thinang Utthayan Phumisathian, on the other hand, rather resembles something that has been teleported from Victorian Britain. Although you cannot go inside the rose-pink-coloured building, it’s very photogenic from the outside. There’s also a small red Japanese-style building with a few exhibitions inside; be sure to stoop when entering and wandering around though so you don’t bump your head!

Eye-catching and whimsical features

There are several structures, monuments, shrines, and statues around the complex that are likely to make you look twice, but the most interesting is the towering Ho Withun Thasana. Rising about 30 metres (98 feet) into the sky, it looks a lot like a striped lighthouse. Built in a European style, you can climb more than 100 steps inside, split between three levels, to enjoy terrific vistas from the top.

Outside of the main palace complex, but within close distance, the Buddhist temple of Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan is another unusual and striking feature. Built on the orders of a former Thai King (Chulalongkorn), it is the most un-temple-like-temple you may see across Thailand! It is a lot like a Gothic church, with magnificent stained-glass windows, a sweeping nave, a grand altar complete with thick church-like candles but with small statues of the Lord Buddha where you may otherwise expect to see a cross or crucifix, a pulpit-like feature, and a spire. The only thing missing is the pews! It is certainly quite a strange sight to see Buddhist monks sitting on the floor to pray inside what otherwise strongly resembles a Christian place of worship.