Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

About

The Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, allegedly in the homeland of his mother, who had been impregnated by the previous king when he was shipwrecked here. Following the Burmese raids in 1767, the Palace was left in ruins until King Rama IV began a restoration project that would be completed by his successor between 1874 and 1899. Amongst the sprawling lawns and water-features are a variety of design styles from traditional Thai to Chinese and even European elements. Visitors are free to roam the grounds, and can enter the Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun, a Chinese-style palace, which is decorated with beautiful ornamental tiles, heavy ebony furnishings, delicate fretwork, and in the ‘throne room’, a red lacquered interior with gold accents. Keep an eye out for smaller treasures as well, like the intricate dragon carved from camel bone. Please long sleeves and pants are required - a shop is on site for those who don't meet the requirements.