Vichayen House or Baan Wichayen - Residence of the French Envoy - Lopburi Thailand

Baan Wichayen was the residence of the French envoy that visited the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 17th century. The ruins of Baan Wichayen, also known as Vichayen House are found near King Narai’s Palace in the center of Lopburi. The residence was first known as “Ban Luang Rab Rat Thut”, which translates to “Royal House to receive dignitaries”.

It is believed that the Palace buildings were designed by Constantine Phaulkon. Phaulkon was a Greek adventurer who first came to Siam as a merchant and later became one of the most influential counselors of King Narai. Later the mansion became Phaulkon’s residence and was renamed after his title, Chao Phraya Wichayen. After Narai’s death, Phaulkon was executed by the next King because of rumors that he planned to become King himself.

Baan Wichayen consists of several buildings in European style. The main buildings are the ambassadors mansion and the two story houses where the foreign dignitaries lived. According to the accounts of the French envoys the residence was a place of splendor and magnificence.

The most important building is the Christian church, whose plan and design is in a European style but with the entrance and window facades in the Ruean Kaeo style. The top of each column is an elongated lotus petal shape, presenting traditional Thai art. It is considered to be the first Christian church, decorated in the Buddhist temple style.

With it being over 350 years old it’s in very good condition. It is worth about an hour of your time exploring if you are in Lopburi. A good afternoon would be to combine it with King Narai’s Palace and Wat Mahathat.

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