Sanam Chandra Palace is located about 2 km west of Phra Pathom Chedi and covers an area of approximately 888 rai, 3 ngan, and 24 square wah. The palace was graciously commissioned by King Vajiravudh while he was still Crown Prince, inspired by his great admiration for Nakhon Pathom following the restoration of Phra Pathom Chedi. He regarded the city as an ideal and peaceful place for residence, as reflected in his writings.

Before the palace was built, during his time as Crown Prince, he would stay in temporary pavilions in a bamboo grove (present-day Silpakorn University area) or at a bungalow residence near the police station, which no longer exists. He enjoyed riding on horseback to survey the area and was particularly fond of the land that later became Sanam Chandra Palace, then filled with orchards, fields, grasslands, and bamboo groves. Finding it suitable, he purchased the land from local villagers using his private funds.

The construction was not intended solely for royal leisure. With foresight, he recognized Nakhon Pathom’s strategic location as a defensive stronghold against potential naval threats, recalling the Franco-Siamese Crisis of 1893 when French warships entered the Gulf of Thailand. He intended the palace to serve as a secondary capital in times of national crisis.

Construction began in 1907 under the supervision of Luang Phithak Manop (Noi Silpi), later known as Phraya Silpasitthiprasit. The first completed buildings, named on August 27, 1911, were Phiman Pathom Hall and Aphirum Ruedi Hall. Additional structures were later built to complete the palace complex as seen today. The royal ceremony to install the White Royal Umbrella above the throne in Samakkhi Mukhamat Hall took place on June 7, 1923, at 4:47:51 a.m.

• By Car: Take Phetkasem Road (Highway 4) or Borommaratchachonnani Road (Highway 338) toward Nakhon Pathom city. The palace is near Phra Pathom Chedi and adjacent to Silpakorn University.

• By Train: Get off at Nakhon Pathom Railway Station, then take a local taxi or motorcycle taxi for about 2 km.

• By Van/Bus: Bangkok–Nakhon Pathom route, get off in front of Silpakorn University.

• Dress politely if you plan to enter the palace buildings.

• Late afternoon (around 4:30–6:30 PM) offers beautiful light for photography.

• Bring an umbrella or hat, as the area is spacious and can be quite hot.

• Visitors often pay respects to Ganesha at the shrine for good fortune.

• Walking or cycling in the early morning or evening is recommended for a peaceful atmosphere.

Admission Fee:

• Thai visitors: Adults 30 THB / Children 10 THB

• Foreign visitors: 50 THB

• Exercise area (morning–evening): usually free of charge

Opening Hours:

• Palace & exhibition area: 09:00 – 16:00 (ticket counter closes at 15:30)

• Public exercise area: 05:00 – 09:00 and 16:00 – 20:00