Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Ayutthaya — Thai, European & Chinese Pavilions by the River

Q: How much does Bang Pa-In Palace cost and what are the hours?

Foreign-visitor admission is roughly ฿100 (about US$3) for adults; Thai nationals pay less (around ฿30). The palace opens daily, roughly 08:00 to 16:00, with no closing day, though individual halls can shut during royal ceremonies. Always check the prices and times on the signboard at the entrance, as they can change.

Q: How do I get to Bang Pa-In Palace from Ayutthaya?

It is about 18 km south of Ayutthaya island. A taxi, Grab or songthaew takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, ride the Northern Line train from Ayutthaya station for just ~15 minutes to Bang Pa-In station (3rd-class fare is a few baht), then take a motorbike taxi or songthaew (about ฿20–30) or walk ~25 minutes to the palace gate.

Q: Should I walk the grounds or rent an electric cart?

The grounds are large and exposed, with little shade. In the hot season an electric golf cart is worth it — roughly ฿400 for the first hour, then ฿100 per hour after (check the rate on site); bicycles are also available to rent. If you visit early morning or late afternoon it is cooler and comfortable on foot. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen.

Q: What is the Wehart Chamrun Chinese-style pavilion?

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun is a two-storey Chinese-style pavilion presented to King Chulalongkorn by Chinese merchants in 1889. It is decorated with delicate fretwork, mother-of-pearl inlay, porcelain and red columns under glazed roof tiles, and is one of the finest examples of Chinese-style architecture in Thai royal history. You can go inside, but photography indoors is not allowed.

Why it matters

One palace, three architectural worlds

Picture standing at the edge of a still lake: directly ahead, a golden Thai pavilion with a tiered spire mirrors itself in the water so cleanly the reflection looks staged. Walk to another corner and you meet a two-storey building that could be a European country house. Walk a little further and there is a hall of red columns under glazed gold roof tiles, with ceramic dragons along the ridge. All of it sits inside one royal compound, half an hour by road from the ruins of Ayutthaya. That mix is exactly what makes Bang Pa-In feel unlike anywhere else in the province.

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace stands on the Chao Phraya River in Bang Pa-In district, about 18 km south of Ayutthaya island. A palace existed here as far back as the Ayutthaya era, but it was abandoned after the fall of the old capital. It was King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who revived the site, restoring it and commissioning a series of new royal residences in the late 19th century as a summer retreat. Several of the halls are still used to receive state guests today.

What people remember about Bang Pa-In is how many styles meet here. Rama V opened Siam to Western and Chinese influences during a period of rapid modernisation, and the palace reflects that: the most photogenic Thai lake pavilion in the country, an Italianate throne hall and a Chinese-style pavilion, all within the same gardens, linked by manicured lawns, topiary and small bridges over the canals. It rewards a slow afternoon's wander.

What to look for

Five highlights that repay attention

Each hall belongs to a different era and a different aesthetic — take it slowly and you will see them all.

1

Aisawan Thiphya-Art Pavilion

The Thai lake pavilion · the single most photographed view in the palace

This is the image most people carry away from Bang Pa-In — a four-porched, gilded Thai pavilion with a tiered spire, standing on a small lake and reflecting almost perfectly in still water. King Chulalongkorn had it built in the style of the Aphonphimok Prasat pavilion in Bangkok's Grand Palace. It is the first thing nearly everyone photographs. Come early or late, when the light is soft and the water is calm, and the reflection is at its sharpest.

Location: On the lake near the outer-palace entrance

Best time: Morning or late afternoon — calm water for the cleanest reflection

🏛️2

Warophat Phiman Hall

The European (Italianate) throne hall and residence

A short walk from the lake pavilion brings you to a building that reads as distinctly European — Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman, a single-storey neo-classical mansion King Chulalongkorn built in 1876 as both a throne hall and a residence. Inside hang oil paintings of significant Thai events and scenes from Thai literature that the King commissioned. The hall is still used as private royal quarters, so only parts are open to the public — check the signboard for which rooms are accessible on the day.

Location: Outer palace, beyond the lake pavilion

Note: Still a residence — partly open · no photography in some rooms

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun, a Chinese-style pavilion with red columns, glazed gold roof tiles and ceramic dragons on the ridge, at Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Ayutthaya

3

Wehart Chamrun (Chinese-style Pavilion)

A Chinese-style pavilion · a gift from Chinese merchants, 1889

This building looks nothing like the rest of the palace. Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun is a two-storey Chinese-style pavilion, with red columns, glazed gold roof tiles and ceramic dragons along the ridge, presented to King Chulalongkorn by a group of Chinese merchants in 1889. Inside it is dense with fine fretwork, mother-of-pearl inlay, porcelain and intricate carving — widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Chinese-style architecture in Thai royal history. You can go inside, but photography indoors is not permitted.

Location: Inner palace · walk or continue by golf cart

Tip: Photograph the exterior freely · remove shoes before going inside

🌳4

Formal Gardens, Bridges & Canals

Clipped topiary lawns · small bridges linking the halls across the canals

Between the halls stretch wide lawns of clipped topiary — some shaped into animals, some laid out as bright flower beds — threaded with winding canals and small bridges that connect the different parts of the compound. It is a pleasant place to walk and photograph. The one thing to know: the open areas have almost no shade, and the sun is fierce in the hot season. Carry a hat and water, and consider the cart.

Location: Throughout the grounds, linking every hall

Tip: Strong sun, little shade — rent a cart if visiting in the hot months

🕯️5

Queen Sunandha Memorial & Witun Thasana Tower

A marble memorial · the brightly painted observatory tower in the grounds

The most affecting corner of the palace is the marble memorial King Chulalongkorn raised for Queen Sunandha Kumariratana, his consort who drowned when her royal barge capsized on the river. The inscription telling her story is quietly devastating to read. Not far away stands Witun Thasana, a cylindrical, brightly coloured observation tower you can climb for a view over the palace and gardens in every direction. Both sit in the inner palace — reach them by cart or on foot, continuing on from the Chinese pavilion.

Memorial: Marble monument · inner palace grounds

Witun Thasana: Observation tower · climb for a full view of the grounds

Before you go

Fees, hours and the dress code

Everything you actually need to know, in one place — always re-check prices and times on site.

Admission

~฿100 foreigners · ~฿30 Thai

Children and seniors usually get a discount · prices can change — check the entrance signboard

Opening hours

~08:00–16:00 daily

No closing day, but individual halls may shut for royal ceremonies · arrive before early afternoon to be safe

Dress code

Shoulders + knees covered (enforced)

Long trousers/skirt · no sleeveless tops, shorts, leggings or backless sandals · wrap-skirts and shirts loaned at the gate

Golf cart / bicycle

Cart ~฿400 first hour

Then ~฿100/hour · grounds are large with no shade — worth it in the hot season · bicycles also available

Time needed

1.5–2.5 hours

Around 2 hours to walk every hall plus the gardens · add time if you stop often or photograph a lot

Best time to visit

Early morning or late afternoon

Avoid the midday sun (Mar–May hits 40–45°C) · morning calm water gives the best lake-pavilion shot

Worth knowing: Do Bang Pa-In in the morning, then take the train or a songthaew back onto Ayutthaya island for the afternoon temples — Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet — and you'll cover the palace and the ruins in one day. See the full plan in Ayutthaya day trips.

Getting there

From Ayutthaya in about half an hour

Bang Pa-In Palace is about 18 km south of Ayutthaya island. There are several ways to reach it — pick by budget and time:

Taxi / Grab / songthaew

~30 minutes · the most flexible option

The easiest and quickest way, especially if there are a few of you. Hire a vehicle from Ayutthaya town and you're at the palace in about 30 minutes; drivers will usually wait and bring you back. If you want a full day taking in several temples too, agree the price upfront. See getting around Ayutthaya for rates.

Time: ~30 min · Grab: limited — a hired car is usually cheaper

Train (cheap and classic)

Ayutthaya station → Bang Pa-In station ~15 min

Hop on the Northern Line train from Ayutthaya station and it's only ~15 minutes to Bang Pa-In station — a 3rd-class fare is a few baht. From the station, take a motorbike taxi or songthaew (about ฿20–30) or walk ~25 minutes to the palace gate. A fun, genuinely budget-traveller way to arrive.

Fare: a few baht (3rd class) · Onward: motorbike ~฿20 / songthaew ~฿30

Day trip from Bangkok

Bang Pa-In + Ayutthaya in one tour

Many people visit Bang Pa-In as part of an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok — by train, minivan or guided tour. Some tours combine a Chao Phraya river cruise with the palace and temples in a single day. If you're going independently, the train from Bangkok can stop at Bang Pa-In first, then continue into Ayutthaya town.

More: Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok

Half-day plan: palace + island

Bang Pa-In morning → town temples afternoon

With a free half-day: Bang Pa-In in the morning (08:30–10:30, before the heat builds) → back onto Ayutthaya island for Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Mahathat in the afternoon → finish with grilled river prawns by the water. A neat sweep of palace, temples and a proper meal.

Total time: half to full day · See: 2-day itinerary

Where to stay

Where to base yourself for an easy Bang Pa-In visit

Most visitors stay in Ayutthaya town — near the historical park or by the river — and run out to Bang Pa-In as a morning trip. We've picked hotels at every price point across Ayutthaya:

Top 10 Hotels in Ayutthaya

Every budget — near the island, by the river and close to the station, with direct booking links

See hotels →

Where to Stay in Ayutthaya

Island · riverside · near the station — choose the right area for your plan

Read →

Ayutthaya First-Timer Guide

How to get there, what to see and what to eat — start here before you plan

Read →

Frequently asked

FAQ · Before you visit Bang Pa-In

How much does Bang Pa-In Palace cost and what are the hours?

Foreign-visitor admission is roughly ฿100 (about US$3) for adults; Thai nationals pay less (around ฿30). The palace opens daily, roughly 08:00 to 16:00, with no closing day, though individual halls can shut during royal ceremonies. Children and seniors usually receive a discount. Always check the prices and times on the signboard at the entrance, as they can change.

Is there a dress code at Bang Pa-In Palace?

Yes — it is an active royal residence and the dress code is enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered: wear long trousers or a long skirt. Sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, leggings and backless sandals (without a heel strap) are not allowed; jeans that are not torn are fine. If your clothes do not meet the code, wrap-around skirts and shirts can be borrowed at the entrance.

How do I get to Bang Pa-In Palace from Ayutthaya?

It is about 18 km south of Ayutthaya island. A taxi, Grab or songthaew takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, ride the Northern Line train from Ayutthaya station for just ~15 minutes to Bang Pa-In station (3rd-class fare is a few baht), then take a motorbike taxi or songthaew (about ฿20–30) or walk ~25 minutes to the gate. Ayutthaya has no BTS/MRT/metro, but the intercity train serves the town and the palace. See getting to Ayutthaya.

Should I walk the grounds or rent an electric cart?

The grounds are large and exposed, with little shade. In the hot season (Mar–May can reach 40–45°C) an electric golf cart is worth it — roughly ฿400 for the first hour, then ฿100 per hour after (check the rate on site); bicycles are also available. If you visit early morning (the cool, comfortable Nov–Feb season) or late afternoon, it's fine on foot. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen.

What is the Wehart Chamrun Chinese-style pavilion?

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun is a two-storey Chinese-style pavilion presented to King Chulalongkorn by Chinese merchants in 1889. It is decorated with delicate fretwork, mother-of-pearl inlay, porcelain and red columns under glazed roof tiles, and is one of the finest examples of Chinese-style architecture in Thai royal history. You can go inside, but photography indoors is not allowed (you can photograph the exterior freely).

All Ayutthaya Attractions

Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the three royal chedis and more

Read →

Ayutthaya Day Trips

Bang Pa-In, the floating market, the settlement villages and Lopburi's monkey town

Read →

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Touring the UNESCO ruins by bicycle or tuk-tuk by the hour

Read →