This is the perfect setting for a day trip, combining some of the opulence of European palaces, which strongly influenced its design, with traditional Thai culture. This royal teak house is surrounded by beautiful gardens, picturesque canals and fascinating museums, making this a must-visit for any visitor to Bangkok.
Vimanmek Palace is set within Dusit Gardens, and was formerly the residence of King Rama V. This former royal mansion now houses collections of Thai objects and artefacts. In addition, visitors can wander in the attractive gardens and peruse the museums to get a feel for what the site was like in previous times.
The palace was originally built back in 1900 at the behest of King Rama V. While a traditional Thai construction technique was adopted to create the walls of the building, influenced by the style of European palaces, the King incorporated lengthy, angular constructions for the wings of the building, to create a unique architectural treasure that draws visitors from all over Thailand, and from far afield as well. The king also arranged for a lake to be built around the palace, for orchards to be planted, and for additional buildings to be constructed to house his harem. It was decades after his death, in 1982, that Queen Sirikit decided to create a museum at the site to honour King Rama.
When you visit Vimanmek Palace, you can take an English-speaking tour to help you get the most out of your visit. With 31 exhibition halls to browse, there’s no shortage of material for visitors to and enjoy. The palace is the site of Thailand’s first ever indoor bathroom, as well as an immense collection of weapons. Tour guides will be on hand to offer interesting snippets of information to visitors, such as why the swords housed at the palace don’t have handles.
Also contained within the palace is a rich collection of paintings and photographs, including the first portraits of Thai royals ever commissioned. There is also a variety of photographs including pictures of the Dusit Palace shortly after it was commissioned and built. The museums housed at the site are a veritable treasure trove, displaying ancient pottery, oil paintings and carriages. The palace admission price includes entry into most museums, but visiting the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, which houses a variety of traditional Thai crafts, costs a little extra.
Travelling by taxi is the best way to reach Vimanmek Palace. The palace is open daily, but closed on national public holidays. Dress standards are conservative, and no cameras, phones or bags are permitted inside the complex. Lockers are available for rent to store such items.
