A word from the Architect
In the reign of King Boromakot of the Ayudhaya period, Princess Kunton and Prince Mongkut were fascinated by a story told by their Javanese governess about charming Prince Inao (Inu Panyee Karatapati) of the Indonesian Shailendra Dynasty (870 A.D), a great lover as well as a valiant warrior.

From this time on, the legend became a well-known dance drama in the Royal Thai court until the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V. Chaochom Manda Khian, the mother of my great grandfather (H.R.H Prince Naradhip, son of King Mongkut), and a niece of Queen Somanat, was reknown for playing the role of Inao. It was then Royal practice when a Prince was born, King Mongkut would lay a little sword as a gift in the baby’s basket.

For the birth of Prince Naradhip, the King added a dagger or “kris” as a special present for the “Son of Inao”.

When I was asked upon to design a Hotel on Chaweng Beach, Samui Island; realizing fully well myself that the southern part of Thailand was once a territory in the Sri Vijaya Kingdom, Kulaypan- the name of the capital city in the story of Inao, sprang immediately to my mind. Falling in love with the location was a delight from the first moment.

Through the coconut grove before me is a view all the way to the horizon, waves dancing on a shimmering sea, a small isle and the endless blue sky. Beauty, natural in form. Perfect light and colour. I decided straightaway that we could never spoil such a truly wondeful vista.

The view is ever marvellous each time: at dawn, the break of the day, late morning and towards noon, in the afternoon and twilight, even late at night you will find the indescribably beautiful seascape and heavens changing their charm with time, your spirit and your dreams. Come and be enchanted day and night at Muang Kulaypan Hotel.