A European-style palace
Gothic and Romanesque in Bangkok.
Berry — CC BY-SA 4.0 · BerryJ Sourceberry — CC BY 2.0 · Nawit science — CC BY-SA 4.0 · This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote. Feel free to use any of my images, but please mention me as the author and may send me a message. (สามารถใช้ภาพได้อิสระ แต่กรุณาใส่เครดิตผู้ถ่ายและอาจส่งข — CC BY 4.0
A European-style royal palace tucked inside the grounds of a military hospital, built by King Rama V in 1909 as a country retreat and then enlarged by his son King Rama VI as his residence, with Gothic and Romanesque buildings, towers, pointed roofs and halls decorated with paintings and stained glass. The palace has a curious story: after King Rama VI's death it became a luxury hotel in the 1930s, then a radio station, then part of the military hospital. Much of it has now been restored, and visitors can explore its halls and gardens on guided tours; one building houses an elegant old cafe dating from the hotel days. Tours are usually free with donations welcome, run at set times on certain days of the week, so check the schedule before going. Modest dress is required. Heat and humidity peak from March to May, and afternoon downpours are heavy from June to October. A quiet destination off the usual tourist trail, suited to lovers of architecture and history, and close to Victory Monument and the Skytrain.
Gothic and Romanesque in Bangkok.
A curious history.
From the hotel days.
Inside Phramongkutklao Hospital, Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok
Tours run at set times and turning up early is sometimes enough, but check the official schedule first, as it changes.