2 Best Sights in Bang Pa-In, Around Bangkok

Bang Pa-In's extravagant Royal Palace sits amid well-tended gardens. The original structure, built by King Prasat Thong on the banks of the Pa Sak River, was used by the Ayutthaya kings until the Burmese invasion of 1767. After being neglected for 80 years, it was rebuilt during the reign of Rama IV and became the summer palace of King Rama V.

King Rama V was interested in European architecture, and many influences are evident here. The most beautiful building, however, is the Aisawan Thippaya, a Thai pavilion that seems to float on a small lake. China also fascinated the two rulers, and Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman, nicknamed the Peking Palace, is a replica of a Chinese imperial court palace. It was built from materials custom-made in China—a gift from Chinese Thais eager to win the king's favor. It contains a collection of exquisite jade and Ming porcelain.

On a small island in the Chao Phraya River within the grounds of the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace stands an enchanting retreat that is considered the only European-style Buddhist monastery in Thailand. A large French-made stained-glass panel high above the entrance to the hall bears an image of King Chulalongkorn, who had the temple built in 1876 in order to perform religious practices during his stay at Bang Pa-In Palace. The most impressive structure in the compound is the ordination hall, built in a strikingly English Gothic style with its elongated steep spire and its arched windows and doorways. Brick paths and stone buildings with arched windows suggest a Gothic abbey. The peak of the diamond-patterned tile roof is laid with impressive Victorian iron grillwork, while the steeple is topped by an iron weathervane.