One of Asia’s most exotic destinations, Thailand is world-renown for its golden Buddhist temples, bustling markets and oriental-style royal palaces. Suan Pakkad Palace is one of Thailand’s most beautiful royal palaces offering visitors a glimpse of Thailand’s rich history. Situated near many a serviced apartment Bangkok has to offer, Suan Pakkad Palace is easily accessible from the city centre and a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
Open throughout the week, Suan Pakkad Palace lies minutes away from popular Bangkok apartments including Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok. The former abode of Prince Chumbhot, the Suan Pakkad Palace compound comprises of a collection of traditional Thai buildings and beautiful landscaped gardens. Named after the humble cabbage garden which occupied the land before the palace’s construction, today the complex includes seven interlinked buildings dedicated to showcasing the prized collections of its revered owners.
One of Bangkok’s must-visit museums, Suan Pakkad Palace has something for everyone. History-lovers can gain insight into the Thai royal family by admiring the vast collection of family portraits held in House 1 alongside religious artefacts and model boats while the beautiful ivory boxes, ceramics and mother-of-pearl inlaid bowls housed in museums 2 and 3 will undoubtedly draw the eyes of female visitors. Examine Princess Chumbhot’s collection of minerals in House 4 before visiting Houses 5 and 6 which exhibit 13th century Ban Chiang pottery and ceramics.
Relics of Ban Chiang culture can be found in museum 3 which houses traditional Thai instruments and House 7 which displays Khon masks and costumes used in classical Thai dance performances. More rare antiquities are showcased at the Marsi Gallery which sits beside the 200 year-old Lacquer Pavilion famous for its gold-and-black lacquer murals that depict Lord Buddha’s life and the Ramayana epic. An extraordinary masterpiece, the Lacquer Pavilion was transported to Suan Pakkad Palace compound from a riverside monastery near the historical Ayutthaya city. Before you depart, take time to admire the surrounding gardens and marvel at this timeless piece of Thai history in the middle of a modern city.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
