When I reached Ayutthaya on my last tour through central Thailand, I felt a certain unease. While Lopburi and Phetchabun had impressed me greatly, my stay in Sukhothai had impressed me considerably less than my previous visits to the ancient city.

On the one hand, my planning countered the panic. Before reaching Ayutthaya, I visited an absolutely wild temple outside the city (more on that later); in the evening, I enjoyed the sunset behind the Great Buddha of Wat Muang in Ang Thong, just north of Ayutthaya.

On the other hand, the sunrise the next morning was practically colorless, which significantly dampened my anticipation for my trip to Bang Pa'in Palace. And this is precisely where the story gets interesting.

Why I had to return to Bang Pa'in

When I first visited the palace in Ayutthaya, I was, to put it mildly, in the wrong frame of mind. On the one hand, the place had long fascinated me; it was originally built in the 17th century, but it was only under King Rama IV and especially King Rama V, between about 1872 and 1889, that it was expanded into what it is today. Here, one found the only visible expression of Chulalongkorn's ambition to modernize Thailand while simultaneously blending elements of Western architecture and design with the proud traditions of Siam at that time in his summer residence.

On the other hand, I was in a new (and at the time turbulent) relationship, and an argument that morning had really annoyed me. I remember how irritated I was that I had to buy some kind of "elephant pants" to get into the palace, even though I already knew that. At least I still managed to visit mm.1xbet.com and play a few of my favorite casino games, so it wasn't all that bad a day.

What you should know about visiting Bang Pa'in

It is not located in the center of Ayutthaya.

Whether by rental car, Grab, hotel transfer, or even by train from Ayutthaya station to Bang Pa'in station (and from there by taxi) – the palace is quite a distance from the center of Ayutthaya. At best, the journey takes about 30 minutes each way.

(It's not too crowded either.)

This Thai summer palace is relatively uncrowded, especially compared to the Grand Palace in Bangkok or even the temples of Ayutthaya. Nevertheless, it's neither deserted nor a hidden gem. You're more likely to encounter a few dozen tourists here than hundreds of thousands; it doesn't feel overwhelming.

A strict dress code applies.

Shorts and a tank top? Well, unless you're already on your way to the palace, you'd better change. Travelers of both sexes must cover their shoulders and knees. If you've forgotten to dress appropriately, you can buy scarves and "elephant pants" in the palace souvenir shop, though I don't think they're particularly attractive.

(But there is plenty to see)

Bang Pa'in, essentially a Thai-European palace, is truly gigantic. Besides the Thai-style Aisawan Thiphya-Asana Pavilion, you can visit the magnificent Ho Withun Thasana observation tower and the two-story Chinese throne room, Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun.

Don't forget to cross the river by cable car.

Don't forget to cross the Chao Phraya River by cable car. It will take you to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a church-style temple. And if you get hungry, be sure to grab a bite at the food court in the parking lot. It may look unassuming, but the duck noodles are absolutely delicious.

BONUS: Another “hidden” Ayutthaya attraction

Do you have more than an afternoon to spare in Ayutthaya and your own car or the option to hire a car with a driver? Then you should definitely include Wat Klang Khlong Watthana Ram, also known as the "Purple Temple," in your Ayutthaya itinerary. The interior of this temple is absolutely surreal (and not just because of its purple color), while simultaneously remaining true to traditional Buddhist architectural conventions.

At the same time, its location quite far outside the city (and especially away from the popular tourist destinations from Ayutthaya) means that you're unlikely to encounter many other foreign tourists; you'll also rarely meet locals. For these reasons, I consider a trip there worthwhile, even if it costs a lot of time and money.

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Bang Pa'in

What is there to do in Bang Pa'in?

In Bang Pa'in, explore the interior and exterior of this 17th-century summer palace, rebuilt in the late 19th century by the popular Thai King Rama V (also known as Chulalongkorn) as a tribute to his favorite royal residences in Europe. Be sure to take the cable car across the river, where more worthwhile attractions await.

Is a visit to Bang Pa'in Palace worthwhile?

Bang Pa'in Palace is definitely worth a visit, but be prepared. It's surprisingly crowded, especially since it's not located in the center of Ayutthaya. The requirement to wear long trousers isn't entirely unexpected, but it's still a bit annoying given the usual heat in this region of Thailand.

What is the dress code for Bang Pa'in Palace?

In summary, the dress code at Bang Pa'in Palace is the strictest of all Thai temples and the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Knees and shoulders must be covered, even for men. If you don't have suitable clothing, you can purchase scarves and long trousers (known as "elephant pants") at the palace entrance.

Conclusion

Although my first visit to Bang Pa'in Palace hadn't particularly impressed me, I enjoyed it much more the second time around. There are many reasons for this: I was in a better mood, the weather was pleasantly cool and clear, and I had a plan for my trip. I even think that my decision to eat in the food court in the parking lot influenced my impression – after all, my stay in Ayutthaya itself this time was, to put it mildly, mixed. Bang Pa'in is definitely a unique destination worth visiting, whether you like it or not. Make your next trip to Thailand an unforgettable experience and let me handle the planning.