Permanently Closed, this article left from reference.
Thailand’s Royal Golden Teakwood Palace
Important Note: Vimarnmek Mansion is currently closed to the public.
Have you ever wanted to improve your home after visiting a friend’s house? Thai kings felt the same way. After King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited Europe in 1897, he ordered the building of Vimarnmek Mansion. Moreover, he placed it in a newly bought garden area near his royal city, which he called “the Dusit Garden.”
Workers completed Vimarnmek Mansion in 1901. Furthermore, King Chulalongkorn lived in the mansion until 1906. Today, a visit to this site appeals to those who enjoy walking through landscaped gardens. Additionally, visitors can take in the grand beauty of Thailand’s building heritage, ancient history, and royal court items.
World’s Largest Golden Teakwood Structure
Many first-time visitors are surprised to discover that the 72-room mansion is just one part of this Bangkok area attraction. Indeed, Vimarnmek Mansion holds the record as the world’s largest golden teakwood structure. However, the central mansion is surrounded by other buildings that were originally built for the King’s wives, consorts, and princesses.
These restored structures now serve as a large museum complex. Therefore, they display everything from ancient artifacts from Thailand’s early history to modern photographs donated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Consequently, visitors get a complete picture of Thai royal life across different time periods.
One of Bangkok’s Seven Must-See Museums
Vimarnmek Mansion appears on the list of seven MUST SEE museums in Bangkok. The other museums on this important list include:
- Prasart Museum
- Bangkok National Museum
- Grand Palace
- Thai Royal Barge Museum
- Jim Thompson House
- Erawan Museum
Most large tour groups allow just enough time to visit the main mansion. Unfortunately, they miss much of what the garden museum buildings offer. If you want to visit the entire complex, it’s best to hire a personal tour guide. Therefore, they can adjust to your schedule and make suggestions that fit your specific interests.
Special Highlight: Ruean Ton Building
One of the highlights of visiting Vimarnmek Mansion is the Ruean Ton building. This simple Thai teakwood house was built by King Rama V as a meeting hall between himself and his friends. Additionally, this structure served as a guesthouse.
The building was created because King Rama V often went out among his people in common clothes. Furthermore, he wanted to see the living conditions of his people for himself. Therefore, this building represents his connection to ordinary Thai citizens.
Planning Your Visit
Previous Opening Details: The mansion was open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30am until 4:30pm. Moreover, the last entrance ticket was sold at 3:30pm.
Previous Admission Price: 100 Baht allowed entry into every building and gallery per person. Furthermore, entry was free when you showed a Grand Palace ticket within 7 days of your visit.
It’s best to allow half a day to visit Vimarnmek Mansion, including travel time from central Bangkok locations. Additionally, a visit can be easily combined with nearby attractions such as Anantasamakom Throne Hall, Wat Benchamabophit, or the Dusit Zoo.
Parts of the mansion and grounds are sometimes still used for state functions. During these times, they will be closed to the public. Therefore, using a personal tour guide ensures your holiday plans succeed.
Important Visitor Guidelines
Dress Code Requirements: Respectful clothing is required because Vimarnmek Mansion is a royal residence. Therefore, management insists that visitors dress properly. Men must wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts. However, tank tops or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Women must wear skirts or pants that extend at least to the knee. Additionally, women should not wear tops that show bare shoulders.
Photography and Footwear Rules: Photography inside any of the structures is strictly forbidden. However, visitors can take photographs of any outside area of the complex. Moreover, it’s recommended that you wear shoes that can be easily removed. This is because you’ll need to take them off when entering any structure in the complex.
