Koh Si Chang is home to a Royal Palace built by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1892. During its heyday the Palace boasted 4 mansions, 14 halls and a magnificent pavilion surrounded by ornamental gardens, ponds, walkways and a private beach. The main royal residence (Phratinang Manthatratanarot) was a 3 story high octagonal teakwood mansion which sat by the beach near the Asadang Bridge.In 1900, after Koh Si Chang was invaded by the French, the main royal residence was pulled down and re-assembled at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok - where it remains today as the Vimanmek Mansion - the largest teakwood building in the world. The octagon stone base of the main royal residence is still visible and the buildings within the palace compound and the palace gardens have been lovingly renovated and restored. It is possible to spend half a day walking around the Palace buildings and gardens, taking in the exhibits and exploring the maze of walkways, gardens, ponds, caves and hidden coves