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The Royal Palace at Bang Pa-In close to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya has a history dating back to the 17th century.
According to chronicles, the then King, Pasat Thong, had a palace constructed on Bang Pa-In island on the Chao Phraya river. The chronicle records the name of only one building, the Royal Residence, constructed in 1632 and it is not known whether or not the palace was still in use until the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.
However by 1807 when the Thai famous poet, Sunthon Phu sailed past Bang Pa-In only a memory of the palace remained and the site was neglected and overgrown.
The palace was revived by King Rama 4 (a.k.a. King Mongkut) (1851-1868) of the current Chakri dynasty who had a temporary residence constructed on the outer island.
His son and heir King Chulalongkorn (Rama 5), (1868-1910) was very attracted to the place, staying there every year, and ordered the construction of the royal palace as it is seen today.
A number of other pavilions were also constructed in varying architectural styles from all parts of the globe giving a unique if rather confusing overall picture to the whole ensemble.
Nowadays the palace grounds and sometimes the palace itself are open to the public and are a very popular tourist attraction for both Thais and foreigners.
Passing through the entrance gates and past the obligatory souvenir shops, the visitor then has the option of either wan dering round the grounds on their own or, probably more usefully, joining an organised tour. Those unable or unwilling to walk, can hire an electric cart to take them around.
Either way, the usual first point of call is a small stone structure in the form of a Khymer prasat or small shrine, known as Ho (shrine) Hem Monthian Thewarat. This was built by King Chulalongkorn in 1880 and dedicated to the memory of King Prasat Thong.
This is built on the bank of the inner river, and almost directly opposite on the far bank can be seen a building constructed in what appears to be a Georgian style. This is the Thewarat Khanlai (the God King goes forth) gate and is the principle entrance to the inner palace.
Carrying on down the river and past an ornate bridge, the visitor now comes to a pond in front of the royal residence. Situated in the middle of this pond and dominating it is probably the most photographed feature in the whole palace (see lead photograph). It is a Thai style pavilion known as Phra Thinang Aisawan Thipya-Art (divine se at of personal freedom) and is in fact an exact copy of that existing in the royal palace in Bangkok. In the centre of the pavilion can be seen a bronze statue of King Chulalongkorn.
Crossing ov er the river by the small pedestrian bridge, and pausing to admire the many decorative statues adorning it, beings us to Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman, the royal residence itself.
This is a single story mansion constructed again in a Georgian style, and built by King Chulalongkorn in 1876 as his residence and throne hall.
Although entry to the public is permitted at times, photography of the interior of this building is strictly prohibited, but an ornate throne room and surrounding audience chambers can be viewed.
 Just outside the royal residence, on the outer river, can be seen two floating houses. These were built for entertaining guests and  a tour round one of them reveals an ornate sitting room and several small dining rooms.
Crossing back over the river via a covered walkway with a louvered wall from which court ladies could look out without being seen, brings us to the inner palace grounds.
Passing a g arden decorated with a topiary of deftly crafted hedges in the shapes of various creatures such as elephants, lions and even a coiled cobra, brings us to a Chinese style lookout tower known as Ho Withun Thasana or the Sages Lookout. This was again built by King Chulalongkorn as a viewpoint for observing the surrounding countryside.
A climb up a series of steep spiral staircases takes us to the top viewing platform from where an excellent view of this whole section of the palace grounds can be seen, including our next point of call, the Chinese pavilion.
Descending the tower and crossing a small moat, brings us to this building. It is called Phra Thinang Wehart Chamru n or royal residence of heavenly light. It is a two story mansion and was built by the equivalent of the Chinese chamber of commerce and presented to King Chulalongkorn in 1889.
Once again photography is not permitted inside the building but on entry, on the ground floor can be viewed a Chinese style throne, severa l ornate bone carvings and many items of period furniture. The upper floor to which access is not permitted, contains an altar enshrining the name plates of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn. Round the outer wall can be found several ornately carved doors.
And that completes our brief tour of this fascinating series of buildings. Most of the information herein was taken from booklets provided by the Tourist Authority of Thailand to which we are indebted, and we can recommend these for further reading.
To view any of the above photos in full size, just click on it.
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