Chitralada Villa Royal Residence
Let me save you a trip: this is somebody's house. A working royal residence in Dusit, long associated with King Rama IX, and the gates are not going to open for you. People turn up hoping for a palace tour and leave having seen a moat, a guard and, if the reviews are anything to go by, a lizard.
What's actually behind the walls is more interesting than what you can see of it. The grounds run to rice fields and fish farms, part of the late king's agricultural work, and the estate sits on land big enough to change the feel of the whole neighbourhood. From outside you get the outer wall, the shallow moat and a sense of scale. That's it.
The one genuine use for the place is the path around the perimeter. Locals walk, run and cycle it, and it's green and quiet in a way central Bangkok rarely manages. Do that early, then spend your actual sightseeing time at Wat Benchamabophit nearby, which is open to everyone and worth the walk.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chitralada Villa Royal Residence, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
You may ride a bike, run or walk around the Royal Residence on a path. Please do not take pictures itbis not allowed. This is a private home of the King and Queen. The Queen Mother usuallylives here. It is not a tourist place it is a home. This area no building are allowed to be over 3 stories. Also new park for King Rama IX is next to here. Refer on the map and look closely to understand. Many other things to see around here look at one corner is Wat Ben. Beautiful and open to public.
large palace on extensive grounds surrounded by a shallow moat. there is agricultural production on the grounds
Couldn’t get in. Nothing to see.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 433 reviews on Google.
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Chitralada Villa Royal Residence: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chitralada Villa Royal Residence worth visiting?
Chitralada Villa Royal Residence holds a 4.4★ rating from 433 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of Chitralada Villa Royal Residence?
Chitralada Villa Royal Residence is typically open 08:30-16:30 — 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 Chitralada Villa Royal Residence?
The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).
Where is Chitralada Villa Royal Residence located?
Chitralada Villa Royal Residence is at QG9C+P8W, Suan Chitlada, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
Location Info
QG9C+P8W, Suan Chitlada, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand082 774 0292kanchanapisek.or.th/kp1/index_th.htmlVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near Chitralada Villa Royal Residence
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
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.
Nearby Places
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram
The Marble Temple trades crowds for calm, and the 100 baht entry buys you one of Bangkok's quietest mornings.
Parutsakawan Palace
A free Italian-style royal palace in Dusit housing a police museum and elegant Chitralada Villa.
Mekalarujee Palace
A historic royal villa from the reign of King Rama VI, tucked within the grounds of Phaya Thai Palace.
Phaya Thai Palace
European-style royal halls from 1909, open only on weekend afternoons and best with a guide booked ahead.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
The Big Buddha, Phuket
A 45-metre marble Buddha on a hilltop, though the front is closed and you'll be viewing from behind.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Where to stay near Chitralada Villa Royal Residence
Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter