Vimanmek Palace
An outstanding example of 19th century architecture.
While admiring the craftsmanship of the carpenters, you will travel
back through time to gain a rare insight into the lifestyle of royalty.
Vimanmek Mansion, the principal building in the palace
compound, was built for King Rama V on land he named The Dusit Garden
located between Padung Krungkasem and Samsen canals.
The completion was celebrated on March 27, 1901 and
King RamaV took up residence until 1906. The mansion was originally
his Summer Palace, the Munthaturaltanaroj Residence, on Sri Chang
Island. It was dismantled and re-built at the present location under
the supervision of HRH Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse.
The three-storey Vimanmek Mansion is the largest golden
teak building in the world, built in an architectural style that
reflects European influences. There are two right-angled wings,
each 60 metres long and 20 metres high. The section where The King
resided is octagonal and has four storeys. The mansion has 81 rooms,
halls and ante-chambers.
Following King Rama V moving to Amporn Satarn Mansion
in 1906, Vimanmek Mansion was un-occupied until 1925 when King Rama
VI gave permission for his wife, HRH Indharasaksaji to take up residence
there. She stayed there until his death.
For the next 50 years it was used as just a storage
area for the Bureau of the Royal Household until 1982 when HRH Queen
Sirikit initiated its restoration as a museum to commemorate King
Rama V.
Today, there are 31 exhibition rooms. Exhibits include
a silverware room, ceramic display room, glassware and ivory display.
Some of the rooms have been preserved to retain the atmosphere of
the earlier era, particularly the bedrooms, bathrooms and the Audience
Chamber. Other buildings in the compound also house displays of
various artifacts and precious art objects.
How to get there
Bus Routes : 6, 9, 15, 19, 25, 30, 32, 33, 39,
43, 44, 47, 53, 59, 60, 64, 65, 70, 80, 82
Pier : Chao Phraya Express Boat: Tha Chang Pier
Opening Hour : Daily 8 am-4 pm
Admission Fee : THB 200-nett/person
Prohibited : Taking photo inside the
ubosot, Man: Shorts Pants Slippers, Woman: Undershirt Singlet Shorts
Sandals
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