List of palaces in Bangkok facts for kids
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is home to many beautiful and historic palaces. These palaces have served as homes for the King and other members of the Thai Royal Family. Some are still used today, while others have become museums or important public buildings. This list will tell you about the royal residences in Bangkok.
Contents
Current Royal Homes in Bangkok
These are the palaces where the Royal Family lives or uses for official events right now.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is the most important and official home of the King of Thailand. It's a huge complex of buildings with stunning architecture. Even though the King doesn't always live there, it's still used for many important ceremonies and state events.
Dusit Palace Complex
The Dusit Palace was built by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) between 1897 and 1901. He wanted a new, more modern home away from the Grand Palace. Today, parts of Dusit Palace are museums, and some are still used by the Royal Family.
Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall
Built in 1906, the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall is currently the home of King Vajiralongkorn. It's an important part of the Dusit Palace area.
Chitralada Royal Villa
The Chitralada Royal Villa, built in 1913, was the main home of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej for many years. It is now the residence of Queen Sirikit.
Vimanmek Mansion
The Vimanmek Mansion is the largest teak wood building in the world. It was once a main residential building within the Dusit Palace complex. Now, it serves as a museum, showing visitors what royal life was like long ago.
Other Current Royal Residences
- Sa Pathum Palace: This palace in Bangkok is currently the home of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
- Sukhothai Palace: Built in 1918, this palace is currently the residence of Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.
Former Royal Homes in Bangkok
Many palaces in Bangkok were once royal residences but are now used for different purposes. They still hold a lot of history!
Early Palaces
- Phra Racha Wang Derm (Thonburi Palace): Built in 1768, this was the royal palace of King Taksin. Today, it is the headquarters for the Royal Thai Navy.
- Front Palace (Phra Ratchawang Bowon Sathan Mongkhon): This palace was built between 1782 and 1785. It was the home of the "Front Palace" holder, who was like a "vice king." Now, its grounds are home to the Bangkok National Museum, Thammasat University, and the National Theatre.
- Rear Palace (Phra Ratchawang Bowon Sathan Phimuk): Built during the time of King Rama I, this was the residence of the "Rear Palace" or second vice king. Today, it is the site of Siriraj Hospital.
- Tha Phra Palace: This palace, built in 1782, was once home to Prince Chetsadabodin (who later became King Rama III). Now, it is the main campus of Silpakorn University.
Palaces from Later Reigns
- Nantha Utthayan Palace: Built during the reign of King Mongkut, this palace's location is now used by the Royal Thai Navy.
- Pathum Wan Palace: Also built by King Mongkut as a country home, it was later given to Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok. Its location is now the site of Central World, a large shopping mall.
- Saranrom Palace: Construction began in 1866. This palace was used as a temporary home for some princes and for royal guests. Today, it houses the Museum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saranrom Park.
- Buraphaphirom Palace: Rebuilt in 1875, this palace was the home of Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse. The palace has since been taken down, and its former area is now a busy commercial spot called Wang Burapha.
- Windsor Palace: Built by King Chulalongkorn for Crown Prince Vajirunhis. After the prince passed away, the palace became part of Chulalongkorn University. Its former location is now the site of the National Stadium.
- Bang Khun Phrom Palace: Built in 1899, this was the home of Prince Paribatra Sukhumbandh. It is now a museum of the Bank of Thailand.
- Paruskavan Palace: Built between 1904 and 1905, this was the home of Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath. It now serves as the headquarters for the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the National Intelligence Agency.
- Ladawan Palace: Built in 1906, this was the home of Prince Yugala Dighambara. It is now the site of the Crown Property Bureau.
- Thewet Palace: This palace was the residence of Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana and his family.
- Phaya Thai Palace: Built in 1909, this was a country home for King Chulalongkorn and later King Vajiravudh. It was then a hotel and a hospital. Now, it is part of the Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine.
- Chakrabongse Palace: Built between 1909 and 1910, this was another home for Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath. Today, it is a private resort called Chakrabongse Villas.
- Chan Kasem Palace: Built from 1909 to 1911 for Crown Prince Vajiravudh. He became king before it was finished. It is now the site of the Ministry of Education.
- Varadis Palace: Built in 1911, this was the home of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. It is now a museum.
- Thewawet Palace: Built in 1914, this was the home of Prince Devawongse Varopakarn. It is now a museum of the Bank of Thailand.
- Suan Pakkad Palace: Built in 1952, this was the home of Prince Chumbhotbongs Paribatra. It is now a museum.
See also
- List of Thai royal residences
