Where in Thailand can one expect to find a castle reflecting architecture from the French Renaissance period? The residences of Sanam Chandra Palace, which were built more than one-hundred years ago remain one of Thailand’s often overlooked treasures. Many visitors to Sanam Chandra Palace are surprised to learn of the extent of western influence during the formative years of what is modern day Thailand.
Customer feedback – “Definitely worth a visit. My private tour guide gave me a lot of great insight as to how King Rama VI lived. Sanam Chandra Palace is a great place to visit to learn more about Thai history and culture.”
Built in 1907 in the small town of Nakhon Pathom, Sanam Chandra Palace is set in a beautiful park complete with giant trees, perfectly manicured lawns, and natural lakes. The beautiful setting was chosen by Crown Prince Vajiravudh, who would later become King Rama VI (1910 – 1925). King Rama VI is most well known for advocating the ideas of “Thainess” and Thai nationalism.
Because the Crown Prince visited the Nakhon Pathom pagoda frequently he decided to have a series of residences built nearby to serve his personal needs. The Sanam Chandra Palace residences were influenced from a combination of French, English, and Southeast Asian architecture styles and were designed to perfectly compliment the beautiful natural surroundings of the area. The royal residences were completed in nine years and served as the official palace of King Rama VI on several occasions.
The main residence buildings you will see at Sanam Chandra Palace:
- Chaleemongkolasana Residence – French Renaissance style castle. One of the most photographed royal residences in Thailand.
- Bhimarn Prathom Residence – The first house built at this location, it is a mix of Thai and European architecture styles.
- Samakkeemukamartaya Hall – A very large classic Thai style building which includes a meeting room for the royal ‘Wild Tigers Corp’ military unit.
- Mareerajaratabulung Residence – A pair of traditional Thai teakwood houses.
- Thub Kwan Residence – A pair of traditional Thai houses made of golden teakwood and painted dark red.
In 2003, the complex was fully restored and opened to the general public. The entire area of the complex is 335 acres and features five remarkable buildings of French, English and typical Thai construction. The palace grounds are remarkable beautiful and many visitors enjoy short strolls across manicured lawns or a comfortable lakeside rest under the shade canopy of centennial trees.
Customer feedback – “Nice atmosphere and beautiful grounds. Each one of the palaces of the king has its own story. The buildings are kept in really good condition.”
Sanam Chandra Palace can be visited Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Admission Price: 50 Baht per person.
Other attractions that can be easily arranged along with a visit to Sanam Chandra Palace include our Phra Pathom Chedi and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tours. Visit this attraction on our Thailand Royal Coast Experience tour.
Things you should be aware of when visiting Sanam Chandra Palace:
- Respectful attire is required. Sanam Chandra Palace management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner.
- Photography is highly encouraged on this tour but is restricted inside some of the palace residences. Your private tour guide will advise you where restrictions apply.
- Every year around March or April, Sanam Chandra Palace hosts an orchid show. During this time the palace grounds can be very crowded, but also delightfully festive.
