The main house of Chakrabongse Villas will open its doors to visitors from 11 to 13 March 2022 to commemorate the birthday of Prince Chula Chakrabongse, the charming author who was born on 28th March 144 years ago,
Now a private residence with a rich historical background, the open house is a rare opportunity to see the inside of the historic villa with its beautiful Italian design. There will be guided tours of the villa in Thai and English and a set dinner featuring famous Thai cuisine from the residence’s own kitchen including Pomelo salad and Tom Yam Goong.
The rich legacy dates back to 1908 when Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath built his private villa on the eastern bank of Chao Phraya River with a breathtaking view of the Temple of Dawn. Prince Chakrabongse, who is best remembered today as the father of the army’s Royal Aeronautical Service, graduated from Corps des Pages in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He married Ukrainian Ekaterina Desnitskaya, who later became Mom Catherine Na Phitsanulok and their only son Prince Chula Chakrabongse was refused the right to the line of succession to the throne because of his mother’s nationality.
The Gate. (Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae)
Prince Chula went to study at Harrow School in England and graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Trinity College, University of Cambridge, He married Elizabeth ‘Lisba’ Hunter, an English woman, and their daughter, Mom Rajawongse Narisa Chakrabhongse, known as Khunying Narisa, was born 18 years later. The family mainly lived in Cornwall. Prince Chula was a UK home guard in World War II, a successful author of 13 books, and owned a motor racing team called ‘White Mouse Garage’ with Prince Bira, his cousin, as a driver. For those in a racing circle, the name “Bira” is very familiar thanks to the Bira Circuit which is named after the prince.
But he never forgot Siam. Prince Chula and his family came to Chakrabongse Palace for a winter retreat every year. After Prince Chula passed away, the palace was abandoned for years until Khunying Narisa renovated and decorated the villa with artifacts and antiques. The painting of Prince Chula by J.P. Barraclough and the sculpture of Ramushka, Prince Chakrabongse’s favorite horse, are among the must–sees.
Italian style building to open for public. (Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae)
The desk where Prince Chula wrote his autobiography still stands in the reading room with photos and memorabilia of his motor racing days. A corner of this room became a practice space for rocker and actor Chulachak “Hugo” Chakrabongse, Prince Chula’s grandson.
Don’t miss this exclusive chance to visit the place of origin of the book Kerd Wang Parusaka (Born at Parusakawan Palace) and admire the beautiful interior of the Italian villa on the bank of Chao Praya River with a perfect view of the Temple of Dawn on the opposite side.
Publication from River Books. (Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae)
Join the tour
Chakrabongse Villas is on Maharaj Road in Tatien area, 300 meters from MRT Sanam Chai.
Seats are limited so those interested must book in advance by emailing reservation@chakrabongse.com or at the Line app: @ chakrabongsevillas https://bit.ly/2Ig1PJy or by calling 02-222-1290, 086-987-0493
Tickets cost 1,500 baht for the house tour including a noodle lunch and Kerd Wang Parusaka 3 or another book of choice published by River Books. There are five rounds, each lasting half an hour in Thai or English. The price for an evening tour with a set dinner and Kerd Wang Parusaka 3 or another book from the River Books collection is 2,500 baht.
Visitors will have to show certification of at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and an ATK result taken within the previous 24 hours. Onsite ATK tests are available at the gate at a cos
