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Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

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About Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

About Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace (also called “Mrigadayavan Palace”), the stunning seaside summer palace near Hua Hin:

1. Why Visit?

  • Architectural Gem: A romantic teakwood palace built in 1924 for King Rama VI, blending Thai and Victorian styles.
  • Scenic Beachfront: Set on a quiet stretch of sand with ocean breezes and photo-worthy walkways.
  • Royal History: Learn about its use as a royal retreat and recovery space for the king’s arthritis.

2. Key Details

  • Location: ~15 km north of Hua Hin (near Cha-Am).
  • Address: 1281 Phetkasem Road, Cha-Am District.
  • Google Maps: Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
  • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (closed Wednesdays).
  • Entry Fee: 50 THB (adults), 20 THB (kids). Includes optional English audio guide.

3. How to Get There

From Hua Hin:

  • Taxi/Grab: ~600–800 THB round-trip (30-min drive). Ask the driver to wait (1–2 hours).
  • Scooter Rental: ~200–300 THB/day. Take Phetkasem Road (Hwy 4) northbound—look for signs.
  • Local Bus: Take a blue songthaew to Cha-Am (~30 THB), then a taxi to the palace (~150 THB).

From Bangkok:

  • Direct Minivan: From Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Cha-Am (~120 THB), then taxi.
  • Train to Hua Hin: Then follow above options.

4. What to See & Do

  • The Palace: Wander through airy teak pavilions connected by elevated walkways (no shoes allowed inside).
  • Photography: Iconic shots of the long ocean-facing verandas and golden teak against the sea.
  • Beach Access: Relax on the quiet adjacent beach (less crowded than Hua Hin).
  • Exhibits: Displays on royal history and palace restoration.

5. Visitor Tips

  • Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees (sarongs available to borrow).
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8:30–10 AM) to avoid heat/crowds.
  • Avoid Weekends: More domestic tourists on Sat/Sun.
  • Facilities: Small café and restrooms on-site.

6. Nearby Attractions

  • Cha-Am Beach: 5 km north—famous for its long sandy shore.
  • Santorini Park: 10 km away (Greek-themed family park).
  • Hua Hin Vineyard: En route if returning to Hua Hin.

7. Fun Fact

The palace’s name means “Palace of Love and Hope”—it was designed to maximize sea breezes for the king’s health.

Getting There

To getting to Maruekhathaiyawan Palace from Hua Hin, Bangkok, or nearby areas:

1. From Hua Hin

By Private Transport (Fastest Option)

  • Taxi/Grab:
    • Cost: ~600-800 THB round-trip (30-min drive each way).
    • Tip: Negotiate a 2-hour wait time with the driver (enough to explore the palace).
  • Scooter Rental:
    • Cost: ~200-300 THB/day.
    • Route: Take Phetkasem Road (Hwy 4) northbound for ~15 km—look for signs to the palace (left turn near Km Marker 216).
    • Warning: Avoid midday heat; wear sunscreen.

By Public Transport (Budget Option)

  • Songthaew (Shared Truck):
    • From: Hua Hin Night Market or Clock Tower area.
    • Route: Take a blue songthaew toward Cha-Am (~30 THB). Ask to be dropped at the palace turnoff (then walk 1 km or hire a moto-taxi for ~50 THB).
    • Frequency: Every 30 mins (7 AM–5 PM).

2. From Bangkok

Direct Options:

  • Minivan + Taxi:
    1. Take a minivan from Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or Victory Monument to Cha-Am (~120 THB, 2.5 hours).
    2. From Cha-Am, take a taxi to the palace (~150 THB, 10 mins).
  • Train + Taxi:
    1. Take the State Railway train from Bangkok to Hua Hin (~4 hours, 44–400 THB depending on class).
    2. From Hua Hin, follow the taxi/scooter options above.

Private Transfer:

  • Bangkok to Palace Direct: ~2,500–3,000 THB (2.5-hour drive).

3. From Cha-Am

  • Taxi/Moto-Taxi: ~150 THB (10 mins south on Phetkasem Road).
  • Bicycle: Rentals available in Cha-Am (~100 THB/day; flat route but hot).

4. Parking & Arrival

  • Free parking available at the palace entrance.
  • Entry Gate: Walk 200m from parking to the ticket booth (50 THB fee).

5. Pro Tips

  • Avoid Wednesdays: Palace is closed.
  • Combine with Cha-Am Beach: Just 5 km north—perfect for a post-visit swim.
  • Sunscreen & Water: Limited shade at the palace.

Alternative Idea:

Book a half-day tour (~1,200 THB/person) that includes:

  • Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
  • Cha-Am Beach
  • Santorini Park

What To Do

What to See & Do

  • The Palace: Wander through airy teak pavilions connected by elevated walkways (no shoes allowed inside).
  • Photography: Iconic shots of the long ocean-facing verandas and golden teak against the sea.
  • Beach Access: Relax on the quiet adjacent beach (less crowded than Hua Hin).
  • Exhibits: Displays on royal history and palace restoration.

Some Tips

Tips

  • Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees (sarongs available to borrow).
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8:30–10 AM) to avoid heat/crowds.
  • Avoid Weekends: More domestic tourists on Sat/Sun.
  • Facilities: Small café and restrooms on-site.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Maruekhathaiyawan Palace depends on weather, crowds, and your preferences for comfort. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Best Months to Visit

Cool Season (November–February)

  • Weather: 25–32°C, low humidity, gentle sea breezes.
  • Why Go? Ideal for exploring the open-air palace without sweating. Peak season but less crowded than Hua Hin’s beaches.
  • Note: December–January can get busy with holiday tourists—arrive early.

Shoulder Season (March–May & October)

  • Weather:
    • March–May: Hot (30–38°C), but mornings/evenings are tolerable.
    • October: End of monsoon; lush greenery, occasional short rains.
  • Why Go? Fewer crowds, cheaper hotels. Visit before 10 AM to avoid midday heat.

Rainy Season (June–September)

  • Weather: 28–33°C, sporadic heavy showers (usually brief afternoon storms).
  • Why Go? Empty pathways, dramatic skies for photos, and cool breezes. Just carry an umbrella!

2. Best Time of Day

  • 8:30–10 AM:
    • Palace opens; soft morning light for photography.
    • Fewest visitors and coolest temperatures.
  • 3–4:30 PM:
    • Warm golden light, but still hot in peak summer.
  • Avoid Midday (11 AM–2 PM): Harsh sun and heat (pavilions offer little shade).

3. Worst Time to Visit

  • Weekends (Sat–Sun) & Thai Holidays:
    • Domestic tourists flock here—expect crowds.
  • Wednesdays: Palace is closed.

4. Special Considerations

  • Sun Protection: The palace is largely unshaded—wear a hat and sunscreen.
  • Dress Code: Shoulders/knees covered (sarongs available to borrow).
  • Weekday Visits: For solitude, aim for Tuesday or Thursday mornings.

Pro Tip:

Visit in November or February for the perfect balance of cool weather, fewer crowds, and clear skies. Pair it with a trip to nearby Cha-Am Beach or Hua Hin Hills Vineyard for a full day out.