Phra Chudathut Palace Koh Sichang: Full Palace Guide & Review
Have you ever visited a royal palace in Thailand and had the whole place almost to yourself? Well, that is exactly what happened to us when we visited Phra Chudathut Palace on Koh Sichang. This blog provides a Phra Chudathut Ratchathan Palace Koh Sichang review to give you more information and help you decide on your next destination. Furthermore, Phra Chudathut Palace isn’t just about the old buildings; in fact, most tourists have no idea this place even exists. On top of that, entry is completely free.
What is Phra Chuthathut Palace, Koh Sichang
Phra Chudathut Ratchathan Palace Koh Sichang, also written as Phra Chudhadhuj Palace or พระจุฑาธุชราชฐาน in Thai, is a 19th-century summer palace that King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) built on the island of Koh Sichang, Chonburi Province, just a few kilometers off the coast from Bangkok.
King Chulalongkorn is one of the most beloved kings in Thai history. He ordered the construction of this palace in 1889 as a royal summer retreat and a base of operations for his royal court. Over time, the palace complex grew into a full royal compound with multiple mansions, pavilions, a royal bathing terrace, temples, and gardens stretching along the seafront of the island.
However, in 1893, following the 1893 crisis with France, the royal use of Koh Sichang declined, and the palace was eventually left unused as a royal residence. A conflict with France over territories in Indochina, known as the Paknam Incident, forced French warships to blockade the Gulf of Thailand. As a result, King Rama V had no choice but to leave Koh Sichang, and the royal court never returned. After that, workers carefully dismantled several of the most important wooden structures, transported them to Bangkok, and craftsmen reassembled them into new royal buildings there. The most famous example is the Vimanmek Mansion today one of the largest golden teak buildings in the world, now standing in Bangkok’s Dusit district. Most travelers visit Vimanmek Mansion without ever knowing it originally came from this palace on Koh Sichang.
In 1978, the Thai government declared the palace a National Historic Site of Thailand. Since then, Chulalongkorn University has managed the grounds together with the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture. Finally, in 2004, the university fully reopened the complex as a museum and historical tourist attraction. Today, everyone enters for free.
Phra Chudathut Palace from our experience
We visited Phra Chudathut Palace during our stay on Koh Sichang. We rented a scooter from the pier area and rode over in the morning the palace is an easy short ride from the town center and very well signed. Once inside, we were genuinely surprised by how quiet and peaceful it was. This is one of those rare places in Thailand where you can walk around without big crowds, and really take your time to explore.
We will guide you through everything we saw here, step by step.
Is there an entry fee for Phra Chudathut Palace?
No, Phra Chudathut Palace is completely free to enter. There is no admission fee for anyone, Thai nationals or international visitors. This makes it one of the best free attractions on the whole island.
What to See at Phra Chudathut Palace Step by Step
1. Asdang Bridge
The first thing you will notice is the Asdang Bridge the iconic white wooden bridge that stretches out over the sea, connecting the palace grounds to a small rocky island offshore. This is without a doubt the most photogenic spot on Koh Sichang. Walk to the end of the bridge for a stunning panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves below. If you visit only one thing on Ko Sichang, make it this bridge.
2. The Three Patient Pavilions
Inside the palace grounds, you will find three beautifully restored royal mansions, each built in a distinctive Thai-Western style using golden teak wood:
- Vadhana Mansion One of the original royal residential pavilions, now carefully restored. The blend of Thai roofline with European-style verandas is a striking architectural detail.
- Phongsri Mansion Another royal residence pavilion within the complex, surrounded by tropical gardens.
- Abhirom Mansion The third of the patient pavilions, also restored to its original beauty. Walking through these three buildings gives you a real sense of how royal life on the island looked in the late 1800s.
3. Wooden House by the Sea
One of the most beloved and atmospheric parts of the whole complex is the Wooden House by the Sea the legendary seaside pavilion that sits right at the water’s edge. This is where King Rama V would sit overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Even today, it remains one of the most serene and beautiful spots in the entire palace grounds. A small cafe now operates here, which is a perfect place to stop for drinks and take in the view.
4. Munhat Ratanaroj Hall Foundation
This is perhaps the most historically significant spot in the whole complex for history lovers. The Munhat Ratanaroj Hall Foundation is all that remains of the original grand hall that was dismantled in 1893 after the French blockade. The wooden structure of this hall was taken to Bangkok and reassembled as the Vimanmek Mansion the largest golden teak building in the world, which stands in Dusit, Bangkok to this day. Standing on this original foundation and knowing what it once was is a genuinely special moment.
5. The Royal Bathing Terrace
The Bathing Terrace is the royal seaside bathing area where King Chulalongkorn and his court would take to the sea. It is built directly onto the rocky seafront and offers a very unique sea-level view of the coastline. A rare feature you will not see at any other royal site in Thailand.
6. Statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
In the grounds you will find a statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Rama V is deeply revered across Thailand. Many Thai people stop here to pay their respects. It is a meaningful and important part of any visit to the palace.
7. Stone Bell, Square Pagoda & Wat Phra Chedi Asdangkhanimit
Within the grounds is the beautiful Wat Phra Chedi Asdangkhanimit temple, along with a stone bell and a distinctive square pagoda. This is the temple where Chulalongkorn Day is ceremoniously observed each year to honor the passing of King Rama V. The temple is quiet and atmospheric and worth taking time to explore carefully.
8. Final Stop The Viewpoint at Phra Chudathut Ratchathan Palace Koh Sichang
The last stop on the palace grounds is the hilltop viewpoint, which offers a sweeping panoramic view of the entire Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding islands. It is a perfect final moment before you leave the complex an incredible view that very few tourists ever get to see.
Best Time to Visit Sichang Palace
Well, as I said, Phra Chudathut Palace isn’t just about history. The outdoor gardens, the Asdang Bridge, and the sea views are even more beautiful during the dry season.
Dress Code
The palace is a royal heritage site of national importance. Please wear respectful clothing when visiting the buildings shoulders and knees should be covered. This shows respect for Thai royal history and culture.
Here, you can check out our video to see more. We take you step by step through the Asdang Bridge, all three pavilions, the Wooden House by the Sea, the Vimanmek foundation, and the final viewpoint.
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