Mrigadayavan Palace

พระราชนิเวศน์มฤคทายวัน

Built by King Rama VI in 1924 by the sea, this teak palace on stilts has 16 wooden buildings linked by covered walkways, with sea breezes flowing through. It is Hua Hin's most elegant historic building.

Mrigadayavan Palace, also called the Palace of Love and Hope, stands by the sea between Hua Hin and Jet Yod (about 15 km from Hua Hin town). King Rama VI (Vajiravudh) ordered its construction in 1923–1924. An Italian architect designed it in traditional Thai style, using golden teak throughout and raising the buildings on stilts. Its 16 two-story wooden pavilions are linked by covered walkways, face the sea and stay cool in the breeze. The king conducted state affairs here, wrote and rehearsed plays. He stayed only two summers, though, and died in 1925, which is why later generations named it the Palace of Love and Hope. The route follows the walkways past the king's bedchamber and study, the residences of the queen and consorts, the audience hall and the seaside bathing pavilion. The interiors are simply furnished, and the walkways and sea views are the most beautiful scenes. The palace stands within the army camp established in King Rama VI's reign (now Rama VI Camp), so the surroundings are quiet. Admission is 30 baht. Hours are 8:30–16:30, and the palace is closed on Wednesdays. Visitors must dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders, and may not enter the palace in sandals (sarongs can be borrowed at the entrance). Allow about 1 hour. You can combine a visit with Santorini Park and the sheep farm in Jet Yod for a half-day trip, or simply stroll the palace beach. Getting there: a charter taxi from Hua Hin takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take a songthaew (shared pickup) to Jet Yod, get off at the camp gate and walk about 1 km. Notes: register at the camp gate when entering. Flash photography is prohibited inside the palace, and you must not touch the wooden structures or furniture.

Mrigadayavan Palace

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