Riding one of the Chao Phraya Express Boats was definitely worthwhile for us.  My partner and I decided to see another side of Bangkok using a different mode of transportation.  From the time we got off at the Maharaj Pier, we proceeded to explore the Grand Palace and asked our guide tons of questions about the magnificent architecture.  From the palace, we moved on to pay our respects to the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew.  We even got to make a few wishes using the blessed water at the temple.  After having our fill of these glorious attractions, our guide told us that we can go to another interesting tourist spot.  He was referring to none other than the Vimanmek Mansion.

The Vimanmek Mansion is also popularly known as the Vimanmek Teak Mansion or the Vimanmek Palace.  It is specifically located within the Dusit Palace complex near the Dusit Zoo in Dusit district. The Vimanmek is considered the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion.

The Vimanmek Mansion was built in 1900 based on the instructions and command of King Rama V.   There was this particular residence called the the Munthaturattanaroj Residence located in Chuthathujrachathan at Koh Sri Chang, Chonbur.  This residence was ordered to be dismantled and rebuilt in the Dusit Garden under the supervision of Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse.  In 27 March 1901, the Vimanmek Mansion was finally completed.  When all was said and done, King Rama V finally moved his official residence from the Grand Palace and decided to stay permanently at the Vimanmek Mansion.  The king stayed at the mansion for five straight years.  The only time that he left the mansion was after the completion of his Amporn Satarn Residence in 1906.  King Rama V stayed in this new residence until he passed away in 1910. During his death, the other remaining members of the royal family packed their belongings at the Vimanmek Mansion and moved back to their residence of choice – the Grand Palace.

It was said that the King loved the Vimanmek Mansion so much.  There were records indicating that he used his own money to buy off orchards and paddy fields that are located between Padung Krungkasem Canal and the Samsen Canal in order to complete his very own garden.  This garden was then called The Dusit Garden.

After a couple of years, King Rama VII decided to renovate the mansion a few times by incorporating new electrical systems and by repairing columns of the main pier.  Unfortunately, the Vimanmek Mansion was transformed to a mere compartment or storage area of the Bureau of the Royal Household.

The fate of the Vimanmek Mansion changed in 1982 during the celebration of the Bicentennial Anniversary of the capital city of Bangkok.  Queen Sirikit, since she discovered the Vimanmek Mansion, asked the blessings of His Majesty King Rama IX to renovate the mansion and transform it into a museum.  This museum was intended to memorialize King Rama V.  A lot of his belongings were placed on display at the mansion including his photographs, handicrafts, and many others.  Her Majesty Queen Sirikit wanted to preserve whatever was left of King Rama V’s stuff so that future generations still enjoy them.

Again, we were reminded that we should be dressed in proper attire before we can set foot on the mansion.  Only long pants or skirts were allowed and nobody can wear shoes inside so as not to damage the shiny wooden floors.  There were clothes available for a refundable fee so we did not have much problem.  Unfortunately, we could not bring our cameras inside the mansion.  We rented a locker to keep our belongings.

We noticed that the main building was made up of two wings that were positioned at right angles so these created an “L” shape.  The tour guide told us that King Rama V stayed at the octagonal tower which can be found at the end of one wing.  This particular tower was four stories high.

My partner and I enjoyed viewing the exhibition rooms that displayed the different memorabilia from King Rama V’s reign.  The guide who was with us further explained that there were rooms including the bedroom, bathrooms and the throne room that have undergone restoration.  It was also mentioned that the King’s private bath had Thailand’s very first indoor bathtub.  There were a total of thirty one rooms that can be viewed by visitors.  Some, though, had protective barriers that cannot be crossed by tourists.  I found myself marveling at the intricate collections of silver, crystals, ivory, ceramics, and GOLD!

We surely recommend all Thailand visitors to go out of their way to stop by the Vimanmek Mansion and immerse themselves with a lot of things that possessed so much history.  It is conveniently located beside other tourist attractions so it is pretty accessible and can easily be reached from any reputable hotel in Bangkok like the Bangkok Palace Hotel.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Operating Hours:  9:30 am to 3:15 pm (everyday)
Proper Attire:  Shirts or Blouses with Sleeves and Long Pants or Long Skirts
Contact Number:  +66 2 22863009

Posted in Attractions, Thailand

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