Central
Thailand / Bang Pa-In
Photo: Bridge to the Royal Palace
Bang Pa-In
is a small town, 58km (36mi) north of Bangkok by rail, 61km (38mi)
by road. The place is famous for its Royal Palace compound,
typically visited on tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
The palace,
surrounded by a lake 400m (1312ft) long and 40m (131ft) wide,
and the Wat Chumphon Nikayaram, were originally built by King
Prasattong (reigned 1630-1655). Bang Pa-In was used as a country
residence by every Ayutthayan monarch after King Prasattong, but
when the new capital was established in Bangkok, Bang Pa-In was
left unoccupied for 80 years. It was only during King Mongkut's
reign (1851-1868) that Bang Pa-In regained importance as a Royal
residence. King Mongkut stayed there and had a new palace
built.
His son, King
Chulalongkorn (Rama V, reigned 1868-1910) liked the place,
stayed there every year and constructed the Royal Palace
as it is seen today.
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