King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII) built the Klai Kangwon Palace at Hua Hin as a summer home for Queen Rambai Barni. The palace was designed by Prince Iddhidehsarn Kridakara, an architect and the Director of the Fine Arts Department, and officially opened in 1929.

Originally, Klai Kangwon comprised three mansions, each facing the sea. The two-storey buildings housed the royals, while smaller houses in the vicinity were for the entourage. The architecture of the palace is basically Spanish, designed to admit the cooling sea breezes.

A formal garden in front of the mansions has stone sculptures from Bali, sundials, nautical instruments, lamps and other ornaments. A section is given over to topiary-bushes sculpted and trained into interesting shapes.

Their Majesties the King and Queen still stay at Klai Kangwon Palace when on trips to Prachuab Khiri Khan and surrounding areas.

Klai Kangwon Palace is located about 3 km from Hua Hin town. It is open to the public daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. For further information, call +66 32 511-115.

Originally published by http://www.thailand.com