:: The History of Bang Pa-in Palace part 2

The present – day royal palace dates from the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910), when most of the buildings standings today were constructed from 1872 to1889. Today the palace is used occasionally by Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit as a residence and for holding receptions and banquets.

Small 4-seat cars are provided for tourists who do not like to have a long walk. It is 200 Baht per hour. You can drive by yourself or require someone drives for you and gives information about the palace.

The Ayutthaya Historical Study Center houses interesting audio-visual displays depicting Ayutthaya's history. Funded by the Japanese government, the centre is located in a former Japanese quarter at the time when Ayutthaya was at the peak of its power and prosperity.

Wat Na Phramen is the only temple that was not completely destroyed during the 1767 invasion and destruction of Ayutthaya. Situated on the northern side of the city moat right across from the Grand Palace, the Burmese used the temple as their headquarter. Still in use today, it has retained its original, magnificent splendor since its construction in 1503.

The largest chedi in Ayutthaya is located at Wat Yai Chaimongkhon , located outside the city island to the southeast. King Naresuan the Great commissioned the pagoda to be built to celebrate his victory over the Burmese in 1593. On the northeast side of the wat is a large reclining Buddha housed within a ruined wiharn.

:: Bang Pa - In


Bang Pa-In Palace This palace is located in Tambon Bang Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-In, 18 kilometres south of Ayutthaya. It lies 58 kilometres north of Bangkok by rail, 61 kilometres by road. To access to Bang Pa-In from Ayutthaya, one can go by Phahonyothin Road and make a right turn at Km.35 for another distance of 7 kilometres to Bang Pa - In Palace. The palace is open to the public everyday from 08.30-16.00 hrs. Admission fee is 50 baht per person. For more information Tel: 0-2224 - 3273 or 0-3526-1044

Originally, Bang Pa - In was a riverine island. When Prasat Thong became the Ayutthaya king (1630-1655), he had the Chumphon Nikayaram Temple built on his family estate. Later, he had a palace built on a lake in the middle of the island where he could periodically reside.

The palace, surrounded by a lake 400 metres long and 40 metres wide, and the Chumphon Kikayaram Temple, are all that remain of King Prasat Thong's construction work at Bang Pa-In.

Bang Pa - In was used as a country residence by every Ayutthayan monarch after King Prasat Thong. But when the new capital was established in Bangkok, Bang Pa-In ceased to be used and was left unoccupied for 80 years. It was only during King Mongkut's reign (1851-1868) that Bang Pa-In was again visited by kings. King Mongkut stayed there and had a house built in the old palace's compound.

His son, King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) liked the place, stayed there every year and constructed the royal palace as it is now seen today. Important buildings inside the palace compound are :

Aisawanthipphaya-At Pavilion A Thai design pavilion in the middle of the pond was built in the reign of King Rama V. Originally built of wood throughout, King Rama VI commanded to change the floor and pillars to be reinforced concrete.

  Warophatphiman  hall It is north of the "Saphan Sadet” the royal path to and from the river landing. Formerly


 

the two-storey wooden villa was used as both the royal living quarters and Throne Hall. Later during his reign, King Rama V commanded the original one to be demolished and replaced with a European design building to be used as the Throne Hall to receive his subjects for royal ceremonies. In this hall are paintings of the royal historic records, Inao literature, Phra Aphai Mani literature and the Ramayana epic.

Phra Thinang Utthayan Phumisathian  is a two-storey building located to the east and opposite the pond. It is a piece of elaborate work seen tinted alternately with dark and light greens. Its balcony is similar in design to a Swiss chalet.

Before being destroyed by fire during the restoration in 1938, the whole building was built from wood and decorated inside with mahogany furniture ordered directly from Europe. Other decorative items were precious offering rarely to be found, but forwarded to the capital from satellite towns. A beautiful flower garden surrounded the building.

Now, a concrete structure of the same model has been built to replace the one that was burnt.