An eclectic assortment of architectural styles makes this a palace like no other. First used in the 17th century, it was revived in the 19th century by Kings Rama IV and V, the latter of whom added most of its European styling. Highlights include the stunning Chinese-style Wehart Chamrun, the colourful observatory Ho Withun Thasana and a Thai pavilion that appears to float in the middle of a pond.
In 1880 Queen Sunanda and her daughter drowned during a journey to the palace. Thai law forbade courtiers from touching the queen, so nobody dared jump in and save her. As a result of the tragedy King Rama V changed the law. A marble obelisk memorial is in the palace grounds. Self-drive carts (400B for one hour, 100B per hour thereafter) are available. Note the relatively early closing time.
Wat Niwet Thamaprawat , on an island next to the palace, has the most unlikely bóht. Designed to resemble a cathedral, its Gothic-style stained-glass windows and knights in armour stand in contrast to the Buddha images. Take a free, monk-operated cable car there from the palace parking lot.
To reach the palace, take the train from Ayuthaya (3B, 15 minutes) and then jump on a motorcycle taxi (20B) to the palace, which is 1.7km away.
