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Bang Pa-In Palace

The royal summer palace south of Ayutthaya, a lakeside garden of Thai, Chinese and European pavilions, with a strict dress code.

4.5(7,846)Wat Niwet Cable Car · 3 min walk
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 08:00–16:00
Getting there
Wat Niwet Cable Car
3 min walk

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday08:00–16:00
Tuesday08:00–16:00
Wednesday08:00–16:00
Thursday08:00–16:00
Friday08:00–16:00
Saturday08:00–16:00
Sunday08:00–16:00

Why go, and how to do it well

Bang Pa-In Palace is the royal summer palace on the Chao Phraya south of Ayutthaya, and it looks like nowhere else in Thailand. Thai, Chinese and European buildings stand side by side around an ornamental lake, from a gold-and-red Thai pavilion seemingly floating on the water to a Chinese-style hall and Western-style residences, linked by bridges and manicured lawns.

Foreign visitors pay ฿100. The dress code is strictly enforced, with no sleeveless tops, skirts above the knee, leggings or backless slippers, though wraps can be borrowed at the entrance. The grounds are large and hot, so many people rent a golf cart, about ฿400 for the first hour.

It pairs easily with a day in Ayutthaya. The direct Bangkok Connex train stops at Bang Pa-In on the way north, and the river-cruise tours from Bangkok usually include it. Hours vary and the palace can close for royal occasions, so check before you go.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Bang Pa-In Palace, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Tambon Ban Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-in

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Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Tambon Ban Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13160, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

Bang Pa-In Palace: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bang Pa-In Palace worth visiting?

Bang Pa-In Palace holds a 4.5★ rating from 7,846 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.

What are the opening hours of Bang Pa-In Palace?

Bang Pa-In Palace is typically open 08:00–16:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Bang Pa-In Palace?

The best months to visit Ayutthaya are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: August – October (flooding risk).

Where is Bang Pa-In Palace located?

Bang Pa-In Palace is at Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Tambon Ban Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, in Ayutthaya. Getting around Ayutthaya: Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins); Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate).

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