Located amidst a gorgeous garden and a breezy ocean in the backdrop, the Mrigadayavan Palace welcomes you with a majestic outlook. The 94-year-old building boasts a simple yet elegant design and it is one of the most iconic palaces in Thailand. Read on to know more about this prestigious royal palace.
History
The palace Mrigadayavan was constructed to serve as a holiday villa for King Vajiravudh as he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was told to sojourn in a warm and airy seaside climate. The design of the palace was drafted by the king himself, The Construction of Mrigadayavan took place during 1923–24 and it was overlooked by an Italian architect.
The Architectural Design
The Mrigadayavan Palace’s distinctive architectural style is a product of both Thai and western influences and it is built to harmoniously interact with the natural environment surrounding it. The Palace complex comprises 3 groups of buildings with 16 small buildings that are made from teak and are connected by corridors and balconies.
The Restoration project
Being abandoned and unused in the 1930s the teak wood started to decay-causing the structures of the building to fall apart and some of the columns gave way. Later in 1983 The fine arts Department joined hands with border patrol Police and initiated the first restoration project but even after the restoration, due to the location of the palace, it still suffers wear and tear and constantly needed to be patched up again. In 2013, the Mrigadayavan Palace Foundation initiated and undertook the Second Restoration project that is underway and scheduled to be completed before the palace’s 100th year anniversary in 2024.
Visiting Here
Even though access to the interiors of the palace is restricted due to the renovation project, you can still witness the beauty of this magnificent palace from the outside which will still be an experience worth your while. The palace is located in the palace is within the grounds of Camp Rama VI, a military base and the easiest way to get here is by private transport. Visiting here would be easier if you book your accommodation at a hotel in Hua Hin the likes of Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa which is located very close to the palace.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
