Sanam Chandra Palace
Sanam Chandra Palace: A Historic Royal Residence in Nakhon Pathom
Sanam Chandra Palace was constructed during the reign of King Rama VI (King Vajiravudh). It was commissioned by the King to be built on the site believed to be the location of an ancient royal palace known as “Nern Prasat” (the Castle Hill). This palace was intended to serve as a royal residence during visits to pay respects to Phra Pathom Chedi. The King also saw Nakhon Pathom as an ideal location for military defense, particularly to resist potential naval invasions. The memory of the French fleet’s closure of the Gulf of Thailand during the Franco-Siamese War in 1893 motivated King Rama VI to establish Sanam Chandra Palace as a secondary capital should the country face another crisis.
Construction of the palace took four years, from 1907 to 1911, under the supervision of Phaya Wisutkasemsilp (Noy Silp). Upon completion, the King named it “Sanam Chandra Palace.” The palace covers an area of around 888 rai (approximately 355 acres), with expansive grounds including a large central lawn surrounded by a circular road and an outer moat. The palace buildings are centered in the middle of the compound, with the primary royal pavilions still visible today.
Visiting Sanam Chandra Palace:
While the interior of the palace is not open for public tours, visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and enjoy walking, jogging, and outdoor activities. The palace is open to the public daily in the morning from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and in the evening from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, with sleeves and skirts or pants covering the knees, as the area is within the royal domain.
For more information, you can contact the palace at 0 3424 4236-7
