“A magnificent crimson-hued colonial building featuring a unique blend of Victorian and Roman architecture, historically significant as part of the first seaside sanitarium in Siam established by King Rama V.”
The Queen Saovabha Memorial Exhibition Center Officially known as The Queen Saovabha Building, this invaluable historical site was constructed during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Its origin dates back to the political and military crisis of 1893 (R.S. 112), which caused the construction of a recovery residence on Koh Sichang to be suspended. Consequently, the King graciously ordered the construction of a sanitarium at Ang Sila instead. The building is made of dark red painted masonry, a Western architectural style highly popular at the time. It was designed to be resilient against the coastal weather and served as a royal residence for Queen Saovabha Phra Borommaratchininat and several other high-ranking royals during their recovery from illness.
The key highlight that should not be missed is the engineering and architectural details of this two-story structure. It features wide, wrap-around balconies on both the upper and lower floors, specifically designed to allow sea breezes to flow through the building from every direction, ensuring excellent ventilation and a cool atmosphere all day long. The doors and windows are designed with Roman-style arches blended with Victorian craftsmanship. Inside, the museum hosts the Ang Sila Historical Exhibition, chronicling everything from its origins as a traditional fishing village and its world-famous stone mortar craft to the historic royal visits of King Rama V by sea, gathering rare archival photographs and antiquities in one place.
Upon entering this area, visitors will sense the tranquility and solemnity of the site. The surrounding grounds are exceptionally well-maintained, featuring a walkway that connects Tuk Daeng and Tuk Maharaj (The White Building) parallel to the coastline. The scenery is particularly breathtaking during high tide, as the sunlight reflects off the sea and strikes the red walls, creating a stunning reflection. The exhibition rooms are perfectly proportioned, giving visitors the feeling of stepping back in time to experience the warmth of history when Ang Sila was the nation’s premier resort town.
For photographers and content creators, Tuk Daeng serves as a top-tier natural studio due to its multi-dimensional structure, intricate wooden lattice windows, and vibrant colors that contrast beautifully with the sky, making every shot look unique and sophisticated. Couples often enjoy strolling here to catch the afternoon breeze while reading about the thoughtful care King Rama V had for his Queen through the construction of this building. Additionally, it serves as a great source of inspiration for artists who wish to capture the waterfront architecture amidst the simple way of life of the local fishing community.
A visit to Tuk Daeng is therefore not just a walk through a museum, but an opening of a living history book. It helps us understand the wisdom of our ancestors in adapting to Western civilization and the deep-rooted bond between the Monarchy and the people of Chonburi that has remained strong for generations.
How to Get There
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By Private Car: Drive toward Ang Sila; the building is located on the coastal road near the 133-year-old Ang Sila Market.
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By Public Transport: Take the white songthaew (Chonburi–Ang Sila route) from Chonburi Municipal Market.
Travel Tips
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Best Season: November to January for clear skies and the best photography lighting.
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Footwear/Equipment: Please dress respectfully and be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the building.
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Photography: The late afternoon light beautifully enhances the building's deep red color.
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Food/Culture: Visit the nearby market for famous Ang Sila oysters and local stone mortars.
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Planning: As a historical site, please maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit.
Admission Fee:
- No Admission Fee
Opening Hours:
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Open: Tuesday - Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
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09:00 AM – 04:30 PM