Three Countries In Ten Days: Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
The travel time from Bangkok to Ayutthaya took close to two hours. It was a great thing that we decided to hire a private taxi for our trip. We were only charged THB2000 including all toll fees for the Ayutthaya tour. Needless to say, it was some enjoyable and comfortable ride given that we were able to take quick snacks and naps on the road.
In no time at all, we found ourselves being “delivered” by our taxi to the entrance of the Bang Pa-In. This particular attraction was the first and foremost stop in our Ayutthaya tour itinerary. The Bang Pa-In, which was located about sixty kilometers of forty miles North of Bangkok, is also called the Summer Palace of the kings of Thailand. It is also situated along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
It is quite easy to get to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. One needs to go to the Bang Pa-In District which can be found around eighteen kilometers South of Ayutthaya. Since we traveled by taxi, we took the Phahon Yothin Road towards the North and simply followed the road signs to Bang Pa-In. Those who single out to take the public bus must catch Bus No. 17 at the Northern Bus Terminal. This bus travels from Bangkok to Bangsai to Bang Pa-In until Ayutthaya town proper. It departs every thirty minutes from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. It is in like manner possible to travel by boat. A lot of tour agencies in Bangkok have power to give detailed information on the organized tour packages from Bangkok to Bangsai and to Bang Pa-In.
When we entered the gates of Bang Pa-In, we were informed that we had to pay the entrance fee of THB 100 per person. While waiting for our change, we found out that the Summer Palace opens at 8:30 am and closes at 3:30 pm. One important thing that visitors must know is that this particular attraction follows a strict dress code. No undivided was allowed to enter wearing sleeveless shirts, slippers, and shorts or shirts that were above the knees. Even if this was the case, tourists who were not aware of these dress codes can borrow shirts and loose pants at the security counter. Given that we wanted to try as many things as possible, we even tried riding on an Electric Golf Car which was available for rent. Anyone can rent these cars for THB 450 per hour.
This grandiose structure was built during the reign of King Prasat Thong and was revitalized by King Rama IV. Most of the buildings within the extensive grounds were completed between 1872 until 1889 during the reign of King Chulalangkorn.
It was quite evident that the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace was designed following various European elements. An ornamental pond greeted us and there were even bread for sale to give to the Arapaimas. We also noticed a Khmer style prang in the middle of the pond. Most importantly, this pond served as a divider between the public areas of the Bang Pa-In from the private areas of the palace grounds.
All the other buildings within the Bang Pa-In complex were constructed following various inspirations. The main residence building was to a great extent modern and followed the look of a Swiss Chalet. Another interesting structure was the Chinese designed residence that was given as a dotation to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in 1889. I could not help but admire the gorgeous interiors that were made of both ebony and deep red lacquer.
My personal favorite was the Ho Withun Thasana, the highest tower within the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace grounds. I had to climb three floors to fully appreciate the purpose of the tower. There was a narrow spiral staircase that led to the top floor hall. It was said that King Rama V visited the hall whenever he wanted to have a bird’sitting eye view of the entire grounds.
Other interesting structures at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace were the Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat (Golden Palace of the God King), Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian (Garden of the Secured Land), and Wehat Chamrun Hall among others.
There was also a Boat Tour of Wat Niwettham Prawat island that was offered within the palace grounds. The classy jet boat tour can be availed for only THB 30 per person. The trip was offered from 9:00am to 3:30pm and departs from the Bang Pa-In Pier.
Nowadays, the Summer Palaces is seldom used. It enters the spotlight only during state occasions or at times as the summer residence of the members of the royal family.
NOTE: Visitors who would like to stay longer in Ayutthaya can stay in any of the reputable hotels in town like the Ayothaya Riverside Hotel Ayutthaya.