Bang Pa-In Royal Palace Ayutthaya

You will explore one of Thailand's most famous historical sites, Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam (Thailand). You will visit the ancient temples of Ayutthaya and the Bang Pa In summer palace.

Less than an hour's drive north of Bangkok and just a few kilometers from Ayutthaya lies the Bang Pa-In summer palace.

The original palace was built in the first half of the 17th century by King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya. When Ayutthaya was conquered and destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, Bang Pa-In Palace remained abandoned for almost a century.

During the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 1850s, part of the palace was rebuilt. Most of the buildings of the present-day Bang Pa-In Palace date from the late 19th century. The palace continues to be used by the royal family.

Versailles-like atmosphere

The palace complex contains numerous impressive buildings in a wide variety of architectural styles – some in classic Thai, others in Chinese, and still others in European. The extensive park is impeccably maintained, and the neoclassical buildings lend the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace an atmosphere reminiscent of Versailles. A whole day can easily be spent in this picturesque and photogenic place.

Bang Pa-In Palace is unlike what one might expect from a Thai royal residence. Some of its European-influenced architectural elements wouldn't look out of place in a mansion in France or Germany. And the sight of tourists driving golf carts across a bridge adorned with Renaissance statues might initially seem surprising. However, the golf carts offer a practical and modern solution, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the extensive grounds. Despite being a royal palace with strict rules of etiquette, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it's well worth a visit. Bang Pa-In Palace houses an elegant collection of buildings that blend European and Thai architectural styles, reflecting the personality of King Chulalongkorn, who oversaw much of its construction.