Suan Pakkad Palace

A note to my family: Hey guys! I found somewhere cool to take you next time you are in Bangkok!

 

When you come to Bangkok for the first time, you will inevitably want to visit the Grand Palace. As its name suggests, it is definitely the grandest, largest, busiest, most golden, and flashiest of all the palaces in Bangkok. But it's far from the only one. Now, the other palaces may not be exactly what you expect from a palace. One such example of a minor palace in the Dusit area (off Phayathai BTS). Suan Pakkad Palace is a calm oasis in the heart of downtown. Not so many people visit, and it's a quiet and peaceful spot for some sightseeing and a look at traditional life.

 

Suan Pakkad (meaning "Cabbage Garden Palace") is really more of a traditional-style wooden home than the palaces one might expect. It was the home of a minor prince, a relative of King Rama V, and his estate has now been converted into a museum of traditional Thai art and antique pottery. It's a fascinating look at old royal life in Bangkok.

Entry is B50 for Thai and 100 for foreigners (much less than the B500 entry fee at the Grand Palace!) and the atmosphere is very laid back. Although it's technically royal grounds, the typical royal dress code (long pants, no sleeveless tops) is not enforced, so you are welcome to dress comfortably and casually.

 



Besides the traditional art and old pottery, the palace museum also houses a "music room" full of traditional Thai instruments and several buildings which serve as a sort of geological museum. It's a really interesting place to spend a few quiet hours. Besides that though, the grounds are unbelievably peaceful and quiet, despite the busy road and Airport Rail Link train just outside.