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Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Phranang Ruea Lom Pyramid The Sunantha Monument, also known as the Pyramid of Phra Nang Ruea Lom, is located amid the lush greenery of Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi Province. This stupa was constructed during the reign of King Rama V in 1881 to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Sunanda Kumariratana. The monument houses the queen’s ashes, making it a site of both historical and spiritual significance.

 

The monument was inspired by the queen’s personal experience. In 1874, Queen Sunanda visited Namtok Phlio and was deeply impressed by the beauty of the waterfall and its surrounding nature. She found peace and joy in the serene forest, the sound of flowing water, and the tranquil atmosphere, which harmonized with her own sense of calm and reflection.

 

The pyramid design was chosen with careful consideration. The king believed that other architectural forms might not endure in the heart of the forest, which lacked constant supervision. A pyramid, by contrast, would remain steadfast over time, just as the pyramids of Egypt have stood for thousands of years. This choice reflects both wisdom and foresight in preserving the queen’s memory and honor within nature.

 

Today, the Sunantha Monument is more than a royal memorial; it is also a tourist destination that showcases the natural beauty of Namtok Phlio. Visitors can experience the harmony of the forest, the soothing sound of the waterfall, and the elegance of the carefully crafted monument. It serves as a living legacy of history, culture, and nature.

 

According to a royal letter dated 1882, the monument was named “Sunantha Monument” to honor the queen and to remind visitors of the beauty and tranquility she once admired. This structure perfectly combines historical memory, reverence, and natural beauty, ensuring that the Sunantha Monument remains a symbol of remembrance and the enduring splendor of Namtok Phlio to this day.