We visited this Palace knowing nothing about it other than it was the largest golden teak Palace in Thailand and was built in the 1920s as a seaside palace for King Rama 6, who had been recommended sea air for his health. We had visualised it being gold/brown wood and were surprised to find it painted pale pink and blue – very attractive but unexpected.
It is set in a pleasant garden with sea views and many mature trees. The Palace had fallen into some disrepair but has now been restored. Timed tickets, not expensive, have to be bought to visit the upstairs rooms (stairs, no lift) – some of which are furnished in a fairly Western style as they would have been in the 20s/30s. Downstairs there is a concert hall area, open at the sides, where music was being played for all to listen to.
In the grounds there is a drinks/ice-cream area, a small shop (with better than average gifts, postcards etc) and toilets.
It is necessary to have your knees and shoulders covered to visit and, of course, to take off your shoes when inside the building.
