Vimanmek Palace is an enormous mansion made entirely from golden teak, the largest building of its kind in the world. Spread over three storeys complete with long, angular wings its rooms, halls and antechambers were all built without the need for a single nail.
King Rama V lived here for five years at the beginning of the twentieth century before moving to Amporn Satarn Mansion, leaving the palace to slowly rot into ruins. Restored to its original glory by Queen Sirikit in 1982, the palace and grounds play home to an impressive overview of Thai heritage – from the painstakingly renovated apartments of the King to the collection of traditional arts and crafts in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
A walk round the grounds will lead you through orchards, lakes and trees planted and planned with care by the King. Wander through the houses he built for his harem (now museums housing displays of photos and artifacts) and allow yourself a guided tour of the luxurious royal rooms, thought to contain Thailand’s first ever indoor bathroom.
Rama V was the first Thai monarch to pose for a portrait, as pictures were widely believed to capture the subject’s soul. This portrait can be found here, alongside a collection of period photographs of the Dusit Palace complex and a startling assortment of swords with no handles, housed in the weapons collection. Other museums within the gardens show exhibits of ancient pottery, carriages and oil paintings, all of which you can browse for free.
Located on the Ratchawithi Road near to the Dusit Zoo, the easiest way to get to the palace is by taxi. It is open every day except national public holidays and if you have already visited the Grand Palace, you will be granted free entry to the site as long as you visit within a week. Entry to the Throne Hall costs a little extra, but is worthwhile if you have an interest in culture and craftsmanship.
This is a royal residence so visitors are expected to dress modestly. Bags, phones and cameras aren’t allowed for the same reason, but lockers can be rented for storage.
