Mrigadayavan Palace is located in between Cha Am and Hua Hin inside an Army base about 20 minutes from Hua Hin city Centre.  The Palace was built for Rama VI as a seaside Retreat for the Royal family and the construction was finished in 1924. The Palace is named after a deer park were Buddha delivered his first ever oration.  The palace compound contains 16 Golden Teak buildings linked by walkways and it was designed by Italian architect Ercole Manfredi with the King’s help in typical Thai-Victorian style.

The Mrigadayavan Palace is split into 3 very distinctive areas, the main function building called Samosorn Sevakamart was were dignitaries were greeted, meetings and functions were held. The two others building areas held the Samutphiman or the Men’s residences where the king’s private rooms were located and the Pisansakorn block where the queen and ladies’ waiting had their quarters.

Lately there has been some restoration work inside Mrigadayavan Palace interiors, blocking entrance into the Royal rooms but the beauty of the architecture outside coupled with the lush gardens and beautiful beach makes this still a worthwhile visit. Do visit the tea room at the Mrigadayavan Palace, they serve a High Tea for 450 thb per person and also there is a small Souvenir shop to browse for gifts.

This is definitely a place that needs a short online read on the abundant history and architecture, to make it more interesting view.  As with Temples, at Palaces it is customary to cover your shoulders and in this case wear longer pants, if this is not possible they rent Sarongs that can be wrapped around to cover up to show respect.

To visit the Mrigadayavan Palace it is highly recommended that you book a taxi to bring you there and back as it is a bit intimidating going into the army base if you are not sure where the entrance is. The soldiers at the entrance have been known to ask for ID so do bring along some sort of Identification.

• Every day except Wednesday from 8:30 am to 4 pm (latest entry)

• 30 baht

• from Bangkok – 192 km (2 h 35 min)
• from Hua Hin – 16 km (27 min)

• Venezia Hua Hin (7 km, 12 min)
• Plearnwan (13 km, 18 min)

We recommend to contact Hua Hin Cab. You can send them your own itinerary and ask for a quote or pick one of the day tour packages available on their website.