Central Thailand

North Thailand

Northeast Thailand

East Thailand

South Thailand

The ancient city of Bang Pa-in

            This is an extract from “niras phrabath” (Poems of a Voyage to the Lord Buddha’s Footprints), written by Soontornpoo, the Siamese Master Poet when he followed HM King Phutthayodfa, the Great (RamaI), to pay homage to the Lord Buddha’s Footprints in Saraburi Province on Monday, the 12th day of the waxing moon, in the 3rd lunar month, Year of the Rabbit, JullaKakarat 1169 (February 8, 1807).

Rather than attempt to describe everything about Bang Pa-in Palace, please find in the following description, details that convey a sense of pride in our history and  heritage, with a wide array of architectural designs, hard pressed to equal anywhere in the world.

In term of architectural amenities, Bang Pa-in Palace proudly features a wide collection of different national arts from various Eastern and Western cultures. Thai ancient arts of the Ayutthaya Period are to be seen in the Aisawan-dhipaya-asana Pavilion with the Royal Raft, an ancient Thai-style pavilion made of teak with a traditional thatched roof.

Western architecture is represented in the Doll Bridge, where sculptured statues of Greek deities and goddesses stand along the bridge, as those over the Tiber River in Rome, while a rare collection of Arts of the Corinthian Order are preserved in the Pra Thinang Varobhas Bimarn Residential Hall. In addition, an example of Spanish architecture may be observed at the Krajome Trae (horned tent), where soldiers would sound their horns in honor of an arriving Royal visitor.

Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian Residential Hall is located in the inner premises and considered a Presidential Residence of the Bang Pa-in Palace. Originally, the Residential Hall was built as a 2-storey teakwood house, decorated in European style with classic French furniture of Napoleon III’s reign. The finest examples of Thai furniture of that period also adorn the Hall.

Other outstanding Residential Hall is that of Phra Thinang Wehas Chamroon, or “Tien Meng Tui” in Chinese (meaning “Residence of the Bright Sky”), built in Chinese architectural style and known by local villagers as the “Chinese Palanquin”. Visitors often miss this Chinese Residential Hall, which is well worth a visit as it is able to acquaint visitors with many different aspects – historical, arts and the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two nations.

This is but a brief glimpse of the rich treasure trove of Bang Pa-in that has passed through many difficult times in the past and today, stands majestically to proudly display its historic heritage and unique collection of rare arts for the benefit of the whole world, carefully preserved by those devoted to conscientious conservation.

... The existence of objects d’ art depends largely on the materials from which they are made. Some, therefore, have a relatively short existence, while others last for centuries. That is natural – but the value of those objects remaining, continues forever, encouraging people to conserve and protect many works of art for the following generations to admire and appreciate.

Thailand Popular Beaches and Islands

Pattaya | Cha-Am | Hua Hin
Khao Lak | Koh Chang
Koh Lanta | Koh Phangan
Koh Phi Phi | Koh Samet
Koh Samui | Koh Tao | Trat
Krabi | Pattaya | Phang Nga
Phuket | Rayong | Trang