“Explore a collection of wooden royal residences and classic European buildings situated along the coastline, surrounded by an arboretum and stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand”
Phra Chudhadhuj Ratchathan Palace was a royal summer residence built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The King commissioned its construction as a retreat and convalescence site for the royal family. The palace was named after Prince Chudhadhuj Dharadilok, who was born on this island. Today, the entire area is managed as an open-air museum and historical site, featuring unique architectural styles that emphasize small but exquisite Western-inspired buildings infused with high-level Thai aesthetics. It is currently under the care of Chulalongkorn University to preserve it as a national heritage site.
The palace grounds consist of several significant buildings, such as the Seaside Wooden House, which served as a royal convalescent residence, and the Watana Building, a European-style masonry structure. Beyond the buildings, the palace layout features meticulously arranged gardens and coastal walkways adorned with various plant species, especially the Frangipani trees, which are the site's iconic symbol. The strategic seaside location ensures excellent ventilation and world-class views. The palace also boasted the most modern infrastructure of its time, including clean water wells and a systematic network of walkways connecting all major points.
The overall atmosphere of the palace is shady, peaceful, and classically elegant. Visitors will enjoy a constant, cooling sea breeze throughout the day. The grounds are exceptionally well-maintained, clean, and organized, providing a truly relaxing and refreshing experience. Beyond the architectural beauty, the fragrance of flowers and the sound of waves hitting the shore create a unique travel experience found nowhere else in Thailand. It is an ideal destination for family vacations or those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital city.
This site is a perfect destination for photographers, painters, and art enthusiasts due to the contrast between the light-colored architecture, emerald-green sea, and clear blue sky. Visitors often spend hours exploring decorative details, such as Gothic-style arched windows, intricate wood carvings, and balconies that open to vast ocean views. The area also serves as an excellent educational resource for students interested in Rattanakosin history, featuring detailed information boards that narrate significant historical events associated with the palace.
We invite you to travel back in time and experience the beauty and glorious past of the only island palace in Thailand, which continues to leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
How to Get There
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By Ferry: Take a ferry from Koh Loy Pier (Si Racha) to Koh Sichang Pier. Boats depart every hour; fare is approximately 50-60 THB.
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Motorized Tricycle (Skylab): From Koh Sichang Pier, hire a Skylab and ask for the "Palace" (Wang). The ride takes only 5-10 minutes.
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Rental Motorcycle: Easily accessible via concrete roads with clear signage throughout the island.
Travel Tips
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Best Season: November to February is the most beautiful period, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies.
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Etiquette: As this is a significant historical site, please dress politely and avoid making loud noises.
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Preparation: Bring sunglasses and a folding umbrella, as some walkways between buildings are in open areas.
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Time Planning: Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore all buildings and the indoor museums.
Admission Fee:
- No Admission Fee.
Opening Hours:
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Open: 09:00 – 17:00