Vimanmek Palace

Vimanmek Palace Review

The spacious grounds within Dusit Park include 20 buildings you can visit, but Vimanmek, considered the largest golden teak structure in the world, is truly the highlight. The mansion's original foundation remains on Koh Si Chang two hours south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, where it was built in 1868. In 1910 King Rama V had the rest of the structure moved to its present location and it served as his residence for five years while the Grand Palace was being fixed up. The building itself is extensive, with more than 80 rooms. The exterior was spruced up in 2006. The other 19 buildings include the Royal Family Museum, with portraits of the royal family, and the Royal Carriage Museum, with carriages and other vehicles used by the country's monarchs through the ages. There are several small air-conditioned restaurants offering a limited menu of Thai food. Admission includes everything on the grounds and the classical Thai dancing shows that take place mid-morning and mid-afternoon (10:30 am and 2 pm, but these times are subject to change). English-language tours are available every half hour starting at 9:15. Admission is free if you have a ticket less than one week old from the Grand Palace.