Phayathai Palace

A Beautiful testament of Thai heritage. Catch up with Thai culture by visiting this unique palace situated within the grounds of a hospital. It’s very accessible, just take the skytrain to the Victory Monument station and walk eastwards down the Rachawithi road. It’s open for all, no entry fee.

Phayathai Palace was originally built as a weekend hideaway for King Rama V in 1909 and also known as Phra Ratchawang Phaya Thai and his Queen but this didn’t last long as the King V passed away only months after its inauguration.
After king Rama V, king Rama VI stayed in the palace with Queen Saovabha,and than Queens mother who loved this palace, stayed there until end of her life, later Rama VI demolished the whole palace, leaving only the Devaraja Sabharamaya Hall AKA and the Phra Thinang Thewaratsaparom Throne Hall. The new palace halls were build forming a new PhayaThai Palace
Phayathai Palace serves as a stupendous example of fusion architecture, European—Thai in this case. Thewaratsaparom Throne Hall is the only building among the originals which has been preserved. A beautiful wood and glass structure it serves as a theatre and reception hall. With uninterrupted French windows running around the exterior it’s a graceful Hall. The double tiered roof boasts some lovely framework around the edges. It satisfied King Rama VI theatrical needs, doing an admirable job of providing a near perfect setting for the performances staged there. The main building comprises of two to three buildings linked with walkways. At the heart of it lies the Phiman Chakri Throne Hall. A round turret with a long, red conical roof gives it a distinctive character. Currently it serves as a shrine to the late Queen. The Queen’s bedchamber is used as a teaching ground for Thai classical music.
In between walking the hallways and admiring the lovely architecture one can take a break at a cozy coffee shop housed in what was previously the carriage house.
For the grand finale of your visit take a turn around the beautiful ‘Roman Garden’ situated at the backside of the palace. Lush greenery with a central water canal its photograph would make an amateur’s work look professional!
FAQ: King Rama VI had a model city named ‘Dusit Thani’ built in these gardens to explain how a city should be properly run. A shrine remains now. There’s also a strikingly unusual statue of the Buddha shrouded by a five headed cobra, Naga as it’s called. This is a clear amalgamation of the Buddhist – Hindu roots which run strong in the Java.
Although the palace was taken over and converted into a hospital way back in 1932, its architectural beauty is preserved and it remains a lovely heritage site of Thailand. Worth spending a peaceful, tranquil morning.