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Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace
Teak palace built in 1919, about 20 minutes from IMPACT, open to the public once a year in early December
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- 20 min drive
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Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace is a raised teak building in a Thai-Western architectural style, built in 1919. It stands at 3/19 Moo 1, Nonthaburi Road, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi 11000, about 20 minutes by car from IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The highlight is a nearly 100-year-old harp that belonged to Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok, and the palace opens to the public only once a year, during a charity tea event in early December.
The building was originally the first palace built within Phetchabun Palace in Bangkok, after Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok (1892 to 1923), a son of King Chulalongkorn, returned from England. He named it after a Thai song, Homrong Prathom Dusit. Later, his daughter, Princess Suddhisiri Sobha, asked for royal permission to dismantle part of the palace and rebuild it at Soi Akkani, off Ngamwongwan Road in Nonthaburi, completed in 1984. That is how it came to be known today as Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace.
For anyone attending an event at IMPACT Arena, Thunder Dome, IMPACT Challenger, or IMPACT Exhibition Hall, the palace is not within walking distance. It takes about a 20-minute drive from Muang Thong Thani, and visits need extra planning since it only opens to the public in early December each year. If your IMPACT schedule happens to overlap with that window, consider it a stroke of luck: a once-a-year chance to walk through a Thai royal residence still furnished as though someone actually lives there.
Why IMPACT event-goers pick this place
- Open to the public only once a year, in early December. If your event at IMPACT falls during this window, it's a rare opportunity.
- About a 20-minute drive from Muang Thong Thani, so you can go in the morning and be back for an afternoon session, or drop by after a midday break.
- See a nearly 100-year-old harp that Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok brought back from England, with live performances by musicians from the Tamnak Prathom Harp Centre.
- A raised teak building from 1919 blending Thai craftsmanship with Western influence, a rare sight in the Nonthaburi area.
- The exhibition features fine antiques, including old glassware, Japanese ceramics, and silverware passed down through four generations of the family.
- Proceeds from the tea event support the Thai Red Cross Society, so a visit doubles as a contribution to charity.
What is Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace, and what's its history?
Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace is a raised teak building built in 1919 within Phetchabun Palace in Bangkok, the first palace built there. It was built after Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok, a son of King Chulalongkorn, returned from England. The building's style reflects an early period of Thai adoption of Western influence, a Western-shaped house that still carries strong Thai character. It was named after a Thai song, Homrong Prathom Dusit.
Later, his daughter, Princess Suddhisiri Sobha (1921 to 1998), asked for royal permission to dismantle part of the palace and move it to be rebuilt at Soi Akkani, off Ngamwongwan Road in Nonthaburi. The relocation and rebuilding were completed in 1984, bringing the palace to its current location at 3/19 Moo 1, Nonthaburi Road, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi 11000.
- Built in 1919 at Phetchabun Palace, Bangkok
- Relocated and rebuilt in Nonthaburi, completed in 1984
- Original owner: Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok (1892 to 1923)
- Raised teak building, Thai architecture with Western influence
- Location: 3/19 Moo 1, Nonthaburi Road, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi 11000
What is there to see and do?
The centerpiece is a nearly 100-year-old harp, Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok's favorite instrument, which he brought back from England, and an original piece that has remained in the house ever since. This harp is the focal point of the annual exhibition of royal furnishings and belongings, held alongside the tea event.
The arrangement of items inside the palace reflects an interpretation of what a young artist's home of that era might have looked like. Some furniture, such as certain beds and lamps, are original pieces passed down through about four generations of the family. Collectors will get an up-close look at genuine artifacts, rather than a typical museum-style display.
- A nearly 100-year-old harp belonging to Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok
- Annual exhibition of royal furnishings and belongings
- A golden royal certificate, royal regalia, and royal tableware
- Rare glassware once collected by Queen Sri Phatcharindra (formerly Princess Saovabha Phongsri)
- Miniature silver tableware and Japanese pottery belonging to Princess Suddhisiri Sobha
- Venetian glassware from Italy and Bohemian glass
- Live classical music throughout the event, including harp performances by musicians from the Tamnak Prathom Harp Centre
Opening hours, admission fee, and when you can visit
Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace doesn't operate as a daily museum. It opens to the public only once a year, during the palace tea event in early December. Organizers chose December because the cool season suits sipping tea and touring the palace best. Outside this period, the building isn't open for general visits.
The tea event is a charity fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Suddhisiri Sobha Fund for the Thai Red Cross Society's Hematology Department. Admission fees, daily opening hours, and how to reserve a spot each year aren't announced with fixed figures in advance. It's best to check with the organizers directly in November each year before planning your trip.
- Open to the public once a year, in early December
- Format: charity tea event with palace tour and exhibition
- Proceeds support the Suddhisiri Sobha Fund for the Thai Red Cross Society's Hematology Department
- Admission fee and daily hours: check directly with organizers before traveling
How to get there from IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
From IMPACT, you'll need a car; the trip takes about 20 minutes. IMPACT Arena, Thunder Dome, IMPACT Challenger, and IMPACT Exhibition Hall are all too far to walk to the palace, since it sits in a different area, in a different district from Muang Thong Thani. The route runs from Muang Thong Thani into Mueang Nonthaburi District.
The easiest option is to book a ride through an app or take a taxi from the drop-off point at whichever hall you're at, then head to 3/19 Moo 1, Nonthaburi Road, Mueang Nonthaburi District. If you're going on the day of the tea event, when many people arrive at once, allow at least 1 hour for the round trip, on top of time spent touring inside, and add extra buffer if it coincides with evening rush hour.
- IMPACT Arena and Thunder Dome: not walkable, car required
- IMPACT Challenger: not walkable, car required
- IMPACT Exhibition Hall: not walkable, car required
- Travel time by car: about 20 minutes
- Destination: 3/19 Moo 1, Nonthaburi Road, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi 11000
- Allow at least 1 hour for the round trip, not including time spent touring
Who is it for, and how long should you plan?
It suits anyone interested in royal history, wooden architecture, antique collections, and classical music. The atmosphere is that of an old home with furnishings arranged as though the owner still lives there, not a museum lined with wall-to-wall placards. Visitors who like to stroll slowly and take in the details will get more out of it than those looking for a quick walk-through.
Touring the palace and exhibition alone takes about 1 to 2 hours. Add in tea and a harp performance, and you should allow about 2 to 3 hours. Factor in roughly 40 minutes of round-trip travel from IMPACT, and you'll need to set aside half a day.
- Touring the palace and exhibition: about 1 to 2 hours
- Including tea and music: about 2 to 3 hours
- Including round-trip travel from Muang Thong Thani: set aside half a day
- Best suited to those interested in history, antiques, and classical music
- Not ideal for a quick visit during a 30-minute break
Tips for people attending events at IMPACT
The key is timing, since the palace opens only once a year, in early December. If you have an event at Muang Thong Thani during that period, check the tea event date with the organizers starting in November, then block out half a day in your own schedule.
If you're working a trade show at IMPACT Challenger or IMPACT Exhibition Hall all day, it's best to visit the palace in the morning before your event starts, since traffic around Nonthaburi tends to build up by late afternoon. For anyone with tickets to an evening concert at IMPACT Arena or Thunder Dome, visiting the palace at midday and returning in time for the hall opening works out best.
- Check the event date with organizers starting in November before locking in your travel plans
- Visit in the morning and return to IMPACT in the afternoon to avoid evening traffic
- For evening concerts, visit at midday and allow at least 1 hour to get back before the hall opens
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, since it's a raised wooden building with several areas to tour
- It's a charity event, so bring some cash if you'd like to contribute
Frequently asked questions
Where is Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace, and how do I get there from IMPACT Muang Thong Thani?
It's located at 3/19 Moo 1, Nonthaburi Road, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi 11000, about a 20-minute drive from IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. IMPACT Arena, Thunder Dome, IMPACT Challenger, and IMPACT Exhibition Hall are all too far to walk to; you'll need a car, taxi, or ride-hailing app. Allow at least 1 hour for the round trip.
What are the opening hours of Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace? Is it open every day?
No, it's not open daily. It opens to the public only once a year, during the palace tea event in early December. Organizers chose December because the cool season suits tea and touring the palace best. Check with the organizers directly for daily opening hours during the event.
How much is admission to Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace?
There's no fixed admission fee announced, since it's a charity event held once a year rather than a museum selling daily tickets. All proceeds go to the Suddhisiri Sobha Fund for the Thai Red Cross Society's Hematology Department. Check with the organizers directly for that year's rate before traveling.
Do I need to book or reserve a spot in advance?
It's best to contact the organizers in advance, since the event is held only once a year with a limited number of days in early December. This website is a guide to the Muang Thong Thani area, not a ticketing or booking channel for the venue. Check participation details directly with the organizers starting around November.
How long does a visit take?
Touring the palace and exhibition takes about 1 to 2 hours. Add tea and a harp performance, and allow 2 to 3 hours. With roughly 40 minutes of round-trip travel from Muang Thong Thani, plan to set aside a full half day.
What's worth seeing at Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace?
The highlight is a nearly 100-year-old harp belonging to Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok, the centerpiece of the annual exhibition of royal furnishings and belongings. There's also a golden royal certificate, royal regalia, tableware, rare glassware once collected by Queen Sri Phatcharindra, and miniature silver tableware, Japanese pottery, Venetian glass, and Bohemian glass belonging to Princess Suddhisiri Sobha.
Why is the harp at Prathom Palace significant?
It's a nearly 100-year-old harp that Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok brought back from England as his favorite instrument, and it has remained an original piece in the house ever since. At the tea event, musicians from the Tamnak Prathom Harp Centre perform on it live, a highlight that visitors look forward to.
When was Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace built, and which royal is it linked to?
It was built in 1919 as the first palace at Phetchabun Palace, belonging to Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok (1892 to 1923), a son of King Chulalongkorn. His daughter, Princess Suddhisiri Sobha (1921 to 1998), later moved part of the palace to be rebuilt in Nonthaburi, completed in 1984.
Where does the money from the tea event go?
All proceeds support the Suddhisiri Sobha Fund for the Thai Red Cross Society's Hematology Department. The event is held once a year in early December as a charity fundraiser, with live classical music throughout.
Can I bring children or elderly family members?
Yes, but consider their physical condition first. The building is a raised teak house from 1919 with a staircase to the upper floor, and touring takes about 1 to 2 hours of continuous walking. Young children who tend to touch everything may need close supervision, since the interior displays a lot of glassware and antiques. Ask the organizers directly about wheelchair access.
Is there parking? Can I drive there myself?
Yes, you can drive; it's about 20 minutes from Muang Thong Thani. No parking capacity has been publicly announced, since this is an old house in a residential area rather than a large museum. On the day of the tea event, many visitors arrive at once, so calling a taxi or ride-hailing app from your hall at IMPACT is more convenient. Ask the organizers about parking in advance if you need to drive.
Can I take the train to Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace? Which station should I use?
There's no rail station that reaches the palace directly. The most direct option for anyone at an IMPACT event is to take a car from Muang Thong Thani, about 20 minutes, to 3/19 Moo 1, Nonthaburi Road, Mueang Nonthaburi District. If you're coming from elsewhere in Bangkok, check the latest route on a maps app before you set out.
Can I take photos inside? What should I wear?
No written rules on photography or dress code have been published, so ask the organizers on the day of your visit. In general, it's a charity tea event in a wooden palace over 100 years old, so smart, modest clothing and shoes you can slip off easily suit the occasion best.
If I'm at an IMPACT event in December, how should I plan my visit?
Set aside half a day, and go either in the morning before your event or at midday if you have an evening concert at IMPACT Arena or Thunder Dome. Round-trip travel takes about 40 minutes, plus 1 to 2 hours for touring. If you're working a trade show at IMPACT Challenger or IMPACT Exhibition Hall all day, go in the morning to avoid heavy evening traffic.
Can I visit in months other than December?
No. The palace opens to the public only once a year, during the tea event in early December. If your IMPACT event falls in another month, plan for December of the following year, and check the event date with the organizers starting around November.
Facts from the official website, last checked 31 Aug 2026