Phetchaburi - Phra Nakhon Khiri Royal Palace

Phra Nakhon Khiri Royal Palace

Phra Nakhon Khiri royal palace stands above the town on the 95-m (312- ft) high Khao Khlang mountain. Built by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in about 1860 in the European Neo-Classical style, its architect was Thuam Bunnak who later acted as Minister of Defence. He had gathered impressions of grand architecture during a European tour. King Mongkut himself cultivated the European way of life and was the first Thai ruler to learn a European language. His interests included mathematics, astronomy and political science. Like no other building in Thailand, this palace expresses the cosmopolitan way of life and thought of the Thai kings. Phra Nakhon Khiri was built on a hill with two summits, both attainable by paths. From the road which crosses the hill in the north visitors reach the palace grounds on the north-west summit either via a flight of steps flanked by nagas or on a small rack-railway, which operates during opening times. Remains of the fort, now inhabited by colonies of monkeys, and buildings used by royal guards are visible along the route. The site of the royal palace is open to the public if no members of the royal family are in residence. The extensive terraces offer a fine view of the valley and the small town of Phetchaburi.