Half an hour south of Ayutthaya, (58 kilometres north of Bangkok by rail, 61 kilometres by road), Bang Pa-In is the site of a riverside summer palace formerly popular with late Ayutthaya-period monarchs and early kings of the present Chakri dynasty.
Originally, the riverine island was used by the Ayutthayan monarch, Prasat Thong (reign: 1630-1655) as a summer residence, and by every Ayutthayan monarch thereafter. When Bangkok became the new Thai capital in 1782, Bang Pa-In remained deserted for 80 years. King Rama IV (reign: 1851-1868) stayed there and had a residence constructed in the old palace compound. His son, King Chulalongkorn (reign: 1868-1910) liked the place, and stayed there every year, largely constructing the royal palace, a collection of Thai, European and Chinese-style buildings, as it is seen today.
The palace is open every day from 8.30 AM until 3.30 PM. Admission is 50 baht.
Attractions of Bang Pa-In are as follows:
Aisawanthipphaya-At Pavilion
This lovely classic Thai-style pavilion in the centre of an ornamental lake is one of Thailand’s best-known landmarks. Originally built of wood during the reign of King Rama V, the structure was reinforced with concrete pillars and floor by his son, King Vajiravudh (reign: 1910-1926).
Warophat Phiman Hall
Formerly a wooden, two-storey building used as a throne hall, and royal residence, the present European-style throne hall was constructed by King Rama V. The hall contains several historical paintings, and some of popular Thai literature, including the epic Ramakian, and Inao.
Utthayan Phumisathian Hall
The current wooden structure is a faithful reproduction of the original, which burned down in 1938.
Wehat Chamrun Hall
This magnificent Chinese-style building was a gift to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) from the king’s subjects of Chinese ancestry. King Rama V used customarily to reside in the dwelling during Cool Season visits.
Withunthatsana Hall
The tower-like structure, essentially a three-storey-building with a spiral staircase, was used by King Rama V as a vantage point during his periodic visits.
Queen Sunantha Monument
This memorial to the consort of Rama V who died tragically during a boating accident at Bang Pa-In contains the queen’s ashes and relics.
Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
This riverine island Buddhist temple was constructed, at the command of King Rama V during 1878, in the style of an English Gothic church. The structure’s stained glass windows and unusual architecture make it one of the most distinctive Buddhist temples anywhere in Thailand.
The entire complex is dominated by Wat Phra Si San Phet’s three towering Ayutthayan-style chedis, and contains several satellite ruins of meeting halls used for state ceremonies, to welcome foreign envoys, to view military parades and royal barge processions, and for leisure. Adjacent to the complex is the Phra Mongkhon Bophit Chapel which houses a massive bronze Buddha image. 
This temple was constructed during the late 1300s by King Ramesuan to commemorate his father, King Ramathibodi I, who founded Ayutthaya as his new capital in 1350. 
Located opposite Wat Mahathat, this temple was built by King Borom Rachathirat II during the 1420s. 
Dating from the late 1300s, this extensive temple was destroyed in 1767. Golden memorabilia from the temple is displayed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. 
This palace was built as the residence of King Naresuan the Great (reign: 1590-1605). The palace was renovated during the mid 1800s by King Mongkut (Rama IV) to be his residence during occasional visits to Ayutthaya. The palace is now part of the National Museum under the responsibility of the Fine Arts Department. The museum is open every day, except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays, between 9.00 AM and 4.00 PM. Admission: 10 baht. 
The museum contains many Ayutthayan-style objets d’art, including exquisite golden royal memorabilia excavated from local temples. The museum is open every day, except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays, between 9.00 AM and 4.00 PM. Admission: 10 baht. 
This teak traditional Thai-style residence, as might have been owned by a wealthy merchant, located near the Phra Mongkhon Bophit Chapel, evokes a bygone era’s lifestyle. 
This riverside temple was constructed in the area where King U-Thong (later crowned King Ramathibodi I) and his followers founded the new capital of Ayutthaya in 1350. 
This riverside temple predates Ayutthaya’s founding as the Siamese capital in 1350. The principal Buddha image was built in 1325 and is highly revered by local inhabitants. 
This monastery dates from the mid-1300s, The enormous pagoda was built by King Naresuan the Great to celebrate his victory in 1592 over the Burmese Crown Prince in single-handed combat on elephants. 
Another riverside temple built by King Prasat Thong during the 1600s. The main prang and pagodas remain in good condition. 
This temple, still in use today, is the only temple not completely destroyed during the 1767 invasion and destruction of Ayutthaya. 
This unique teak and brick structure, just beyond Ayutthaya’s riverine island, was formerly used to entrap wild elephants herded down from the North..Such occurrences were traditionally presided over by Ayutthayan monarchs, partly because the mighty beasts were vital to Ayutthaya’s military strength. 
This temple was constructed in 1387 during the reign of King Ramesuan. 
These small, elaborately painted dolls from baked clay picture Thai way of life. For example, there are farmer dolls, Thai boxing dolls and dolls performing Thai folk tradition. 
December 13-19, 2001 , Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya
This event held during the full-moon in November features the launching of traditional floats (Krathongs), demonstrations and exhibitions of local handicrafts, as well as an array of other fun activities.
Ayutthaya City
20 Km south of the Ayutthaya Historical Park
3309 road ,south of Bang Pa-In Summer Palace