Often regarded as one of Hua Hin’s most scenic historic landmarks the sprawling Marukhathaiyawan Palace is no ordinary summer palace in Cha-am District. Ideally located near the Huai Sai Nua beachfront this royal residence was commissioned to be built by none other than King Rama VI and dubbed the Palace of Love and Hope by locals. With its name denoting a venue from which hog deer consume water ( derived from the name of the area, Huai Sai) the monarch gave the palace complex the title of “Mrigadayavan” which is closely connected with the venue in which lord Buddha delivered his first ever sermon. The locale’s connection with Buddhism ran deep as hunting was banned in the palace complex and surrounding woods by the King.
Designed by the monarch himself the palace architecture reflects the king’s aesthetic with vaulted ceilings and fretwork featuring prominently on each and every wall. Perched on stilts the ground beneath the summer palace was easy to maintain and the structure was held up using concrete beams. Although the main design elements were decided by King Rama VI, the sovereign appointed a chief architect named Ercole Manfredi from Italy to bring his vision to fruition.
Made almost entirely of golden teak the compound contains three clusters of buildings that is one storey in height. Held up by a collection of 1080 columns of concrete the three building clusters were connected with one another using corridors and passageways made of wood. Built in the early 1920’s the Bisansagara group of structures in Marukhathaiyawan Palace served as the personal abode of the King and houses the Royal Suit consisting of a bed chamber, office room, dining room, bathroom and dressing area. The Royal Bathing Pavilion is also found in this collection of buildings which also houses residences for personnel such as royal pages.
The Sevakamataya building cluster on the other hand forms the Front Court of the palace where state occasions were conducted and attended by both male and female royal guests. Complete with an auditorium style audience hallway the venue also contained a grand theatre, an official room for the Royal Aide-de-Camp General and a chamberlain room. The Samudabiman building group served as the palace’s inner courtyard and was reserved for the king’s use exclusively. The buildings in this groups also includes the home of HRH Queen Indrasakdisaci, her silbling and retinue as well as a stunning beach pavilion and a dining area where the king lunched frequently on his summer visits.
Travellers in search of luxury Hua Hin hotels will find no finer alternative to the Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort. Ideally located in a scenic position this stylish rest is undoubtedly one of the best beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has on offer.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
