Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Royal palace in Ban Len, Thailand
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace is a royal palace in Ban Len, Thailand, that spreads along a stretch of the Chao Phraya River with several separate structures. The compound brings together Thai architecture with Chinese roofs and European facades, each building differing from the others in material and form.
The original site was founded in 1632 by King Prasat Thong but later fell out of use and decayed for decades. King Chulalongkorn rebuilt the site starting in 1872, adding new pavilions and residential buildings through roughly 1889.
The palace name comes from the local area where it stands, reflecting how Thai kings in the 19th century expressed their openness to different traditions. Visitors today walk through buildings that sit side by side in contrasting styles, showing the royal family's interest in borrowing ideas from abroad.
Visitors should wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees, as entry may otherwise be refused. The paths cross bridges and gardens, so comfortable shoes for extended walking are advisable.
One pavilion stands in the middle of a pond on an artificial island and can be reached by four bridges pointing to the four compass directions. This structure served as a lookout and retreat for the royal family during hot days by the river.
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