King Chulalongkorn admired the tranquility of Bang Pa-In, leading him to order the construction of a palace and hall for the royal residence and to welcome visiting dignitaries. For those who appreciate the charm of European architecture, a visit to Ayutthaya would not be complete without stopping at the Niwet Thammaprawat temple. This royal monastery, situated on an island in the river, was established under the royal decree of King Chulalongkorn. It draws inspiration from Gothic-style churches in the West, evident in the sharp spires of the ubosot (ordination hall). The interior is adorned with stunning stained glass imported from Italy, creating a beauty that rivals traditional Thai temples. Crossing to the other side of the river leads you to the grounds of Bang Pa-In Palace, an ancient palace established during the reign of King Prasat Thong. The palace grounds are divided into two sections: the outer royal precinct, used for various royal ceremonies, and the inner royal precinct, which connects the Warophat Phiman hall to the Devaraja Krabuan door. Beyond the Thai art blended with Western influences throughout the area, there is the Vimanmek Mansion, the last royal hall built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. This majestic structure was constructed by a group of prominent Chinese merchants, showcasing exquisite traditional Chinese architecture that rivals other royal halls. *Must-Visit Attractions* - The Hall housing the statue of Phra Kanthararat, where you can pay respects to the Buddha image in the rain-requesting pose. - The Vithunthasana Hall, an observation tower for stargazing and enjoying the surrounding scenery. - The Phumisarit Pavilion, a two-story wooden structure styled in European architecture. Bang Pa-In Palace is mentioned in "Nirat Phra Bat," a poetic work by Sunthon Phu. Hanging on a pillar in front of the Vimanmek Mansion are two Chinese proverbs: the one on the left translates to "It is hard to find unity among people like that of siblings," while the one on the right means "In this world, one can never find faults in their parents." *Not-to-Miss Activities* - Take the cable car across the river to the temple, and feel free to donate an amount of your choice for the fare. - Enjoy some light exercise by climbing the spiral staircase, which rises 30 meters to reach the viewpoint at the Vithunthasana Hall.