Bang Pa-in Summer Palace: Day Trips and Tours from Bangkok

Bang Pa-in Palace was once the preferred holiday destination for Thailand's kings and queens — the place they’d retire to in order to escape the scorching temperatures of the summer months.

Today, people still Travel to this royal retreat — usually during a day trip to Bang Pa-in Palace from Bangkok — but they do so because of curiosity rather than necessity. The Summer Palace allows visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past and into the splendor that’s just another day for Thai Royalty.

Here's all you need to know about Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, one of the most exciting day trips from Bangkok.

How to get to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok?

Bang Pa-in Summer Palace is located just north of the modern cosmopolis of Bangkok and just a couple of kilometers south of Ayutthaya.

From Bangkok to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace by car

If you have a valid Thai or International driver's license it’s quite easy to travel to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace by car.

Traveling from central Bangkok you should use the Sirat Expressway to travel north. Stay on this route as it becomes the Udon Ratthaya Expressway and this will take you all the way to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace.

The entire journey is around 70 kilometers and will take about an hour to complete.

From Bangkok to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace by public transport

You can easily travel to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok using public transport — a great option if you don’t mind a longer journey.

From Bangkok Railway station, you should board the 145 Rapid train to Ubon Ratchathani. After eight stops you’ll arrive in Bang Pa-in, and the summer palace is simply a short walk away. The entire journey will take around 1.5 hours to complete.

Guided tour to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok

If you don’t want to worry about train timetables or checking directions on your travels, you should consider a guided tour bang Pa-in Summer Palace. Not only will you not have to worry about the logistics, but you’ll have an experienced guide to tell you more about the fascinating history.

How much does the entrance ticket to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace cost?

Guided tours to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace will usually include entrance fees to the palatial complex. However, if you are traveling to the Palace on your own steam, you’ll need to purchase tickets.

Thai ID tickets

• Adults (aged 10 and above): THB30 (US$0.90)
• Children (aged 9 and under): THB15 (US$0.45)

Foreign visitors tickets

• Adults (aged 10 and above): THB100 (US$3)
• Children (aged 9 and under): THB50 (US$1.50)

You can buy Bang Pa-in palace tickets when you arrive at the palace grounds — but you don't have the guarantee of entry that you’ll enjoy during a guided tour.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary of a Bang Pa-in Summer Palace day trip from Bangkok will largely depend on the specific tour you choose — with different excursions visiting different attractions along the way.

Your trip starts with a pickup service from your hotel in central Bangkok with an air-conditioned vehicle taking you out of the big city. You’ll pass a kaleidoscope of sights along your journey with ornate temples, rustic countryside and verdant rice paddies flitting past your window.

Once you arrive in Bang Pa-in, you’ll head toward the Summer Palace grounds. Here you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the opulence that’s usually only available to royalty, while your guide tells you more about this amazing palace.

Depending on the tour you’ve chosen, you might visit a number of other attractions in the region, like the ancient city of Ayutthaya. You may also be treated to a delicious local lunch, before getting back on the bus and heading to Bangkok.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace?

There are several day trips traveling to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok, each with its own unique features and itinerary.

Guided group tour to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok

A guided group tour to Bang Pa-in presents the best way to discover the lives of Thailand’s royals while traveling on a budget. This full-day tour to the palatial grounds also includes a visit to nearby Ayutthaya as well as a number of impressive temples.

Small group tour to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok

This tour is great if you want a bit more of a personal experience, without breaking the bank — making it a wonderful option for a group of friends, a family or even a couple. Lunch is included in the trip, as is a couple of refreshments — so you don’t have to worry about exploring the palatial grounds on an empty stomach.

Private Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok

A private tour to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace will ensure that you are the only people on the excursion — a wonderful option for people that want to explore Thailand’s history without any distractions.

How much does a day trip to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok cost?

Day trips to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace will usually cost between US$50 and US$170 per person — offering travelers a broad choice when deciding on their day out.

A guided group tour to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok will cost US$50 — but you’ll be part of a larger group to help spread the cost.

A small group tour to Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok will cost US$130 — and the number of participants is limited to 10 people.

A private Bang Pa-in Summer Palace from Bangkok will cost US$170 per person — but for this price, you’ll be the only people on the excursion.

What will you see and do?

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Siam Empire and the second-largest city on the planet — until it was razed by an invading army. Today, this enormous city complex showcases mindboggling buildings, beautifully carved temples and some of the best examples of ancient Thai architecture.

Reclining Buddha

While nowhere as famous as the Wat Pho reclining Buddha, Bang Pa-in features its own laidback diety and it’s definitely worth a visit — even though the elements have taken its toll on this once immaculate facade. You’ll find this enormous statue in the ancient city of Ayutthaya.

What are the opening times?

Bang Pa-in Summer Palace is open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but this is subject to change. The palace might close for religious or state ceremonies or even in order to have maintenance performed on its elaborate decorations. Consider booking your trip through a local tour company to avoid disappointment.

When is the best time to visit Bang Pa-in Summer Palace?

The best time to visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace is during the dry season (November to February) when the weather is cool and dry. The hot season (March to May) is less crowded but warmer.

Travel tips

• Being a place of cultural importance, you should dress appropriately when visiting the palace. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Please observe all rules and guidelines in force within the palace. For example, removing shoes before entering a particular building or not touching artifacts or exhibits.
• There are many places to see. So give yourself plenty of time to improve your experience. Please bring water and sunscreen.