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  4. Maruekathaiyawan Palace – One of the Greatest Architectural Marvels

Maruekathaiyawan Palace – One of the Greatest Architectural Marvels

Posted on: 26th February 2016

This Victorian-Thai style seaside palace was built in the 1920s under the rule of King Rama VI. Designed by a famous Italian architect, the palace was constructed with golden teak, latticework, high ceilings and many verandas to keep the building cool during summers. Located at Camp Rama VI military compound, about 9 km south of Cha-Am, Maruekathaiyawan Palace enjoys a beautiful setting on a large manicured landscape facing toward the picturesque Cha Am Beach. The candy-colored building consists of 3 one-story pavilions supported by more than a thousand pillars. Each building of Maruekathaiyawan Palace is connected to the beach front by covered boardwalks, fashioned in a way to capture cool breezes from every direction. Rather than struggling in public transport, car rental in Hua Hin is the best option to experience a comfortable ride to Maruekathaiyawan Palace.

maruekathaiyawan-palace

Maruekathaiyawan Palace – Then and Now

Back in that time, each of the three buildings of Maruekathaiyawan Palace had a clearly defined function. A series of halls found in the south wing used to serve as the residence of the king as well as the royal consorts. This area comprised of rooms for relaxing and royal sitting, a reading room and the royal chamber of princess consort. The north wing used to serve as an accommodation for the court servants while the 2-story open pavillion (Samoson Sewakamat Hall) was the official venue for theatre, entertainment and other royal functions. Today, the chambers and royal halls are now a walk-through museum, embellished with framed vintage photos and royal artifacts. Maruekathaiyawan Palace does not permit photography inside some of its rooms. Besides, make sure you dress politely when you visit (no skirts, shorts, spaghetti strap tops or tank tops).

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