About Bang Pa-In
Bang Pa-In lies about 60 km north of Bangkok in Ayutthaya province and is famous for its royal palace. King Prasat Thong had it built in 1632 as a summer residence; it was abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. King Mongkut partly restored it in the 1850s, and most of what you see now comes from King Chulalongkorn, who from 1872 expanded it with Thai, European and Chinese buildings. The grounds are easy to explore on foot. Famous highlights include the Thai pavilion in the middle of a lake, the Chinese palace of 1889 and the brightly painted lookout tower. Visit early in the day, dress modestly and combine it with nearby Ayutthaya. Some of the buildings are still used for royal occasions, so not every interior is open to visitors. From Bangkok you can reach the palace by train in the direction of Ayutthaya.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: dry and relatively cool. March to May is hot; June to October is the rainy season with the most rain around September. Ruins and markets are most pleasant early in the morning. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by train (Bang Pa-In station), minivan or your own transport; about 1 to 1.5 hours. The palace is open daily until about 16:00. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Bang Pa-In
- Aisawan Thiphya-At A Thai pavilion in the middle of a lake, regarded as the archetype of a Thai sala.
- Wehart Chamrun An opulent Chinese-style palace from 1889, full of red, gold and dark wood.
- Ho Withun Thasana A brightly painted lookout tower with views over the grounds and countryside.
- Warophat Phiman King Chulalongkorn’s throne hall, open to visitors.
