Thonburi Palace Has Free Entry This Holiday Season For History Geeks To Explore

Free entrance to Thonburi Palace

Images adapted from: Prachachat

For most visitors, The Grand Palace is definitely on their must-go list when they’re in Bangkok. But little know that there’s another palace on the other side of the Chao Phraya River called Thonburi Palace that’s waiting to be explored.

The throne room
Image credit: Prachachat

Annually, Thonburi Palace will be opened for local and international visitors on 28th December – just one day only. This is the same day King Taksin the Great, who built the palace, was crowned 252 years ago.  

If anybody wishes to see this glorious palace complex on other dates, they will need to contact the staff at least 1 week in advance to schedule a visit.  

However, there’s good news for all history geeks. This year, the palace is opening its doors for visitors for 2 weeks straight, from 14th to 28th December 2019 from 9AM to 3.30PM. And, better yet – it is free of charge (U.P. ฿100).  

Image credit: Prachachat

Besides looking at the olden-day buildings from the outside, you can also explore some of the buildings and see an array of exhibited historical objects such as long fire guns, war swords, and royal furniture.  

Image credit: Readthecloud

What to know about this palace

Thonburi is a palace complex that has a perfect combination of Thai and Chinese architecture. This is because the Chinese had a great influence over Siam at the time. Back in the day, Siam saw a lot of Chinese immigrants coming in to do business as we were a big trading post in the region. 

King Taksin The Great statue within the palace
Image credit: Prachachat

King Taksin, the only king in the Thonburi Dynasty, played a big role in Thai history.  He spearheaded the liberation of Siam from Burmese occupation after the Second Fall of Ayutthaya in the 18th century.

The palace fort overlooking Chao Phraya river
Image credit: Prachachat

He then built the city of Thonburi as the new capital since Ayutthaya was completely destroyed in the late war. But it was the capital for only 15 years before the change of dynasty to the present one – Rattanakosin.

Plan a fun and educational day trip here

If you find yourself in Bangkok during this time of the year, stop by Thonburi Palace to get the glimpse of the old days.

The majestic Wat Arun
Image credit: @traveling_p83

You can easily create a day trip around old town Bangkok with Thonburi Palace. Plus, the palace complex is connected to the Temple of Dawn, also known as Wat Arun, one of the most famous temples in Bangkok which you can visit throughout the year.

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