If you have the opportunity to visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit on the island of Ayutthaya, don't forget to walk a little further to see the beauty of "Khum Khun Phaen", a group of golden teak Thai houses that stand majestically amidst shady trees. Many people may misunderstand from the name that it is the home of a character in literature like Khun Phaen, but in fact this place is a valuable "Central Thai House Model" that has been moved and collected from various places on the island to preserve it for future generations to study the wisdom of building the residences of the Siamese people in the past.
The charm of Khum Khun Phaen lies in the characteristics of the "Thai House Group", which consists of several houses connected by a central terrace. It has a high basement to ventilate and prevent flooding according to the waterfront lifestyle of the Ayutthaya people. Walking up to the house will allow you to experience the happiness from the wind blowing through the wooden window openings and the exquisite details of the ten-group craftsmanship, whether it is the Pakon wall or the gable roof decorated with Kalae, which is considered a rare architecture to see today. It is a popular location for those who want to wear Thai clothes to take chic photos in a relaxing holiday atmosphere.
In addition to its visual beauty, Khum Khun Phaen also serves as a living museum that tells the story of the lives of the ruling class and nobles in the past. The atmosphere around the Khum is peaceful and orderly, suitable for bringing the family to stroll and absorb the retro atmosphere. After the visit, you can easily walk to Wat Phra Si Sanphet or Bueng Phra Ram nearby. For those who love Thainess and relaxation filled with knowledge, a visit to Khum Khun Phaen will definitely make your Ayutthaya trip perfect.
