Phra Chuthathut Palace

Phra Chuthathut Palace is a royal residence comprising four throne halls and fourteen royal houses built with traditional Thai architectural elements and ornate decorations. The structures feature different styles within the complex, with each building displaying its own furnishings and detailed ornamentation.

King Chulalongkorn founded this palace in 1889 as a healing residence for Queen Saovabha Phongsri and Crown Prince Vajiravudh on Sichang Island. Following the French occupation in 1893, sections of the original structure were relocated to Bangkok and incorporated into other royal buildings.

The buildings carry names honoring different queens and princesses, which shows how the Thai royal tradition values family connections in physical space. Walking through the complex, you encounter these dedications at every turn, making the history of the royal household present and personal.

Chulalongkorn University manages the site as a museum and marine science research station, offering guided tours throughout the year. Visitors can explore the grounds with knowledgeable guides who explain the buildings and their background.

The palace was originally located on Sichang Island but was abandoned due to French pressure, with portions moved to Bangkok. This relocation makes it a dispersed monument with parts scattered across different locations, some of which were later incorporated into Vimanmek Mansion.