Phra Chudhadhuj Palace on Koh Sichang (Sichang Island) was built according to King Chulalongkorn’s royal command as a palace in 1889, and later, had been used for other purposes by different the government organizations. In 1978, when the palace was listed as a National Historic Site, Chulalongkorn University was entrusted with the palace by the Treasury Department.  The university has been working in collaboration with the Fine Art Department, Ministry of Culture to restore the premises.  Phra Chudhadhuj Palace has, since 2004, been opened as a museum and historical tourist attraction under the operation and management of Office of Art and Culture, Chulalongkorn University.

For the past twenty years, Phra Chudhadhuj Palace Museum has been open for visitors free of charge.  Its historical significance, beautiful grounds, and peaceful atmosphere attract local people as an exercise and leisure center for their families, and to visitors, the museum is one of the main attractions on the island that draws more than 250,000 visitors a year.

The museum also organizes activities supporting life-long learning for the local youth, especially in the area of the history of the palace, to promote a sense of pride and love for their birthplace, conservation and mindful uses of marine resources.  The museum also regularly collaborates with the public and private sectors in promoting the preservation and continuation of arts, cultures, and traditions of Sichang community

Key activities and projects include:

1) 132nd Anniversary of the Palace: The palace’s anniversary is celebrated with a Buddhist merit-making ceremony and releasing local fish and blue crabs to the sea as part of the merit making.  These local fish and blue crabs were bred and raised at the Marine Science Research Centre of Chulalongkorn University on Phra Chudhadhuj Palace premises.

2) Chulalongkorn Day: This annual event commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn, one of the most revered kings of Thailand.  The ceremony involves worship ceremony, Buddhist prayers, merit making dedicated to the late King Chulalongkorn, and releasing local fish and blue crabs into the sea.  Community services are also performed by the local public.  Approximately 30 organizations, including government offices, military personnel, police officers, schools, and village communities participate each year.

3) Local History Education Project (Junior Tour Guide Program): In its 16th year, this program enrolls local students in a six-day day camp in the summer to learn about the history and geo-architecture of Phra Chudhadhuj Palace and other historic places on the palace ground to promote hometown pride.  A test is administered, and certificates are presented to those who passed the test.  The palace museum weekend tour guide positions are also offered for outstanding camp graduates to supplement their income.   

4) Phra Chudhadhuj Field Trip Project: Now in its 14th year, this project takes school students on Koh Sichang to Chanthaburi province to learn about museum operations and other important cultural aspects.

5) Vesakha Bucha Day Celebration: Religious activities held at Asdangkhanimitr Temple on Vesakha Bucha Day include a traditional celebration dating back to the reign of King Chulalongkorn.  A competition for the best products from recycled materials was also held as part of the event to encourage environmental awareness.

Phra Chudhadhuj Palace Museum is also part of a major research project and a project to promote life quality development for Sichang people run by College of Population Studies, and Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University.  These projects are:

1) “Thai ARi” (Thailand Platform for Aging Research Innovation): This project, led by the College of Population Studies and the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, aims to improve the quality of life for the elderly through income-generating activities that utilize modern communication technologies.

2) Management of Natural and Cultural Capital on Sichang Island: This initiative seeks to increase Economic Value Project promoting earnings through development of existing food, local handicraft, and community-selected products.  Phra Chudhadhuj Palace Museum provides venues, product designs, and effective merchandise selling that corresponds to the demand of visitors and current target group.

Phra Chudhadhuj Palace Museum

Hours:
Tuesdays to Sundays, including public holidays
(Closes every Mondays)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tel. +66 38 216-416
No admission fee
https://www.facebook.com/phrachudadhuj

Getting to SichangIsland:
Hourly public boat ride from Koh Loy Siracha Ferry
Duration: 45 minutes, Fare: 50 baht (US$1.67) per person

Getting around SichangIsland:
– Skylab Tricycles Island Sightseeing: 250 baht (US$8.33) per tricycle
– Minibus Island Sightseeing: 500 baht (US$16.67) per bus
– Rental motorcycles:  250 baht (US$8.33) daily, 300 baht (US$10) overnight

Accommodation on SichangIsland:
Rate between 500 baht (US$16.67) – 12,000 baht (US$400) per night