Marukhathaiyawan Palace

The summer seaside palace, often referred to as “the palace of love and hope is located midway between Cha-am and Hua Hin. It was built in 1923 under the royal command of King Rama VI using golden teakwood from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. An Italian architect designed the palace with a dazzling composition of verandahs and latticework in regal proportions.

The palace is a two-storied wooden pavilion with a series of connecting halls and a long corridor leading to the sea. Residential halls of royal family members are on the right wing while those for royal retainers are on the left wing. The central group of halls consists of royal drawing, sitting and reading rooms. In addition, a two-story, open pavilion located next to the central hall was once used as a royal meeting place and theatre. Two famous plays performed in 1941 for King Rama VI were Phra Ruang and Wiwah Phra Samut.

The palace is open to the public daily, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 90 baht per person.