The Vimanmek Mansion is a former royal villa in Bangkok, Thailand. It is in the Dusit Palace complex, near Dusit Zoo in Dusit District. Today it is a museum. In 1897 King Rama V paid a royal visit to Europe visiting many of the royal palaces. Upon his return he land for the construction of a royal garden which he named “the Dusit Garden”.
Vimanmek Palace was constructed in 1900 by having the Munthatu Rattanaroj Residence in Chuthathuj Rachathan at Ko Sichang, Chonburi, dismantled and reassembled in Dusit Garden. It was the first permanent residence in the garden. Nails were used during in its construction. The interior decoration combines European neo-classical style with traditional Thai motifs and architecture and early-20th century modernisation.
Vimanmek Mansion follows Victorian Style that is an influence from Europe Architecture applied with Thai Architecture. The material that was used to build the entire mansion was golden teak. The shape of the mansion was alphabet L in English, 60 meters each long and 20 meter high. This mansion has three levels and the residence part is octagon shape and has four levels. The lowest level is made by brick and cement and all the upper levels are made by golden teak. The color of the roof is cream and red in Thai Architecture style and the pattern of the window and ventilator is called Kanom Pang Khing. Each room of the mansion has different colors, which are light blue, green, pink, ivory and peach, and each room shows belongings of King Rama V and other noblemen.
The celebration for the completion of the 72 room Vimanmek Palace was held on 27 March 1901. It was used as a royal palace by King Rama V for five years until the completion of Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in 1906. In 1932, Vimanmek Palace was used only as a storage place of the Bureau of the Royal Household.
In 1982 Queen Sirikit asked permission of King Rama IX on the occasion of the Royal Bicentennial Celebrations of Bangkok to renovate Vimanmek Palace for use as a museum to commemorate King Rama V by displaying his photographs, personal art and handicrafts, and to serve as a showcase of the Thai national heritage. The palace is now a major tourist attraction and is the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion. Many of the gifts and treasures that King Chulalongkorn collected on his European trip are now displayed in the museum.
A guided tour is provided to visitors. Most of the building in the same compound are now used as museums. The outstanding one is Abhisek Dusit Hall, which exhibits HM Queen Sirikit’s collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people. The other displays of various items and art objects including HM King Bhumibol’s photography, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, ancient cloth, clocks, and royal carriages.
Parts of Vimanmek are still used for various state functions and receptions for visiting royalty when the buildings are closed to the public.
Traditional Thai dancing commences daily at 10:30 and 14:00.
Opening Hours: 08:30 until 16:30 (Tuesday – Saturday, last ticket at 15:30)
Location: Rajavithee Road. Close to Dusit Zoo and the Dusit Palace complex.
Price Range: 100 baht, which entitles you to enter every building and gallery. Note that you will need to show your ticket to the attendant at the entrance to every building.
Please note: No shorts or sleeveless shirts and skirts must be at least knee-length or you won’t be allowed in.