Be Inspired - A visit to Mrigadayavan Palace - The Palace of Love and Hope

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Inspiration
Known as the Palace of Love and Hope.
This beautiful Palace is truly a place to feel inspired. My first glimpse had my imagination running wild. I conjured images in my mind of children playing in the garden and lovely music coming from the airy hallways.  I imagined the King sitting at his desk in the evenings writing his poetry with the sultry ocean breeze softly blowing through the window. I too would surely be inspired to write poetry living a beautiful place like this one.


The Palace of Love and Hope

How it was built.
The palace was built to serve as a holiday villa. King Vahuravydh drafted his own designs for the palace and construction took place during 1923-1924. The king wanted the palace to be simple, yet elegant and in harmony with the tropical seaside climate. He also was very frugal in his spending on the construction compared to other palaces. The final construction was overseen by the Italian architect,  Ercole Manfredi.

The Palace consist of sixteen teak buildings raised on concrete pillars linked together by a series of walkways.
It is one of the longest teak buildings in the world.
  The pastel colours give this palace a unique feel and a dreamy atmosphere. It contrasts very well with the stunning lush green lawns.

The garden has many majestic trees that droop over the manicured lawns and there is a row of bonsai frangipanis that weave along a path leading to a statue of the king.

The grounds and the buildings are still the same as they were when the King and his family relaxed there during the summers of the 1920s.


Majestic trees

Writing Poetry
In the King's living chambers, there was a study room where he wrote poetry overlooking the sea.
 He wrote numerous poems. songs and plays. One can't help to think how this beautiful setting must have inspired him to write.

Pastel blue window shutters and golden pillars


The fresh sea breeze and feeling of romance in the air.
The sea breeze is soothing and the overall feeling is that it is a great respite from the formal environment of other palaces. The long corridor leading to the sea is very romantic and in my mind's eye, I could see the queen walking down the airy walkway to meet the King for an evening stroll on the beach.


Romantic Sea Air and Garden

Why you should visit.
The palace gives us a glimpse in the life of the royal family of the past. It is certainly one of the most beautiful palaces I have seen. Mainly because it is so informal and summery but at the same time so elegant and timeless.  The tranquil setting and the soft whisper of the ocean as a backdrop is an inspiration to anyone who loves history, architecture, nature, poetry and all things beautiful.  It is indeed a palace of love and hope



How to get there.
The palace is situated between Cha-am and Hua Hin. You can ask at your hotel for directions. If you can rent a motorbike for the day that would be your cheapest option to get there. But I would not advise renting a motorbike unless you have good driving skills. The other option is to rent a taxi. The taxi driver will wait for you during your visit.

The way to the sea


The last word
During my visit, there was some maintenance construction taking place and I was not allowed inside the chambers.  The entrance fee is 30 bath and opening hours are from 8:00 until 16:00. I would advise dressing politely.  Most of the history is written in Thai but don't let that discourage you. Take a walk through, breath in the fresh ocean air and let your imagination run wild.

I hope you enjoy reading about this palace and be sure to include it in your itinerary.

M







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