| |
Introduction to the Vimanmek Mansion Museum
The Vimanmek Mansion Museum was established as a
royal residence. Built in the early part of the 20th
century, the entire structure is made of teak wood
making it the worlds biggest teak wood building. Now a
museum, it preserves rare artifacts and gives an insight
into true royal Thai heritage preserved over the years
since the days of Rama V. The place is a must visit for
all tourists, who have an interest in the Thai culture
and tradition.
What to see
Tourists to the Vimanmek Mansion Museum are over awed by
the fact that they are witness to the centuries old
tradition of Thai kings. The palace is a virtual store
house of precious Thai artifacts and more than that it
reflects the grandeur of the Thai kings of the past.
At Vimanmek, one can witness true photographs and
belongings donated by several generations of Kings. The
large complex of teak buildings are actually among the
other collection of royal artifacts on display.
Tourists can expect to see a number of Thai
handicrafts, royal carriages, clocks,
fabrics, the mansion photographs, and many
such royal splendors on display. As a part of the tour
you will also witness folk dance, classical Thai dance,
and martial art demonstrations which are show cased from
10:30am to 2pm., it is advisable though that you ask the
tour operators about these cultural shows since at times
they are suspended.
You might be interested in seeing the beautiful Chinese
blue and white porcelain collection of belonging to the
Ming dynasty. The Western influence can be seen in the
collection of different European porcelain on display
here in various shapes and sizes. On display are some
interesting pieces of Thai silverware, gold, crystal,
ivory and silver called "Ta Thong".
The History
 Build in 1901 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V),
the Vimanmek Mansion Museum is a one of a kind structure
entirely done up in teak wood. The mansion has been
restored and opened for public viewing mainly due to the
sincere efforts of Queen Sirikit (present Queen). This
beautiful, golden teakwood mansion was totally redone in
1982 as a part of Bangkok's bicentennial celebrations.
Strictly a private museum, it is a reflection of the
royal family's memorabilia and their lifestyle in those
days. One can see a large collection of teak wood pieces
as well as 81 rooms, which functioned as a part of the
royal household.
The Vimanmek Mansion is probably the largest residence
in Dusit Garden, the style of architectural to be
seen here has western influences reflected within the
Thai tradition. One can easily make out a three-storey
building as a part of the octagonal building which has
four storey’s in the quarters meant for the kings
living. Tourists are taken on a tour of the Audience
Chamber, the bedrooms, and the bathrooms too.
More Infos & How to get there
Plenty of tour buses operate to the Vimanmek Mansion
Museum. Alternatively you can also go by yourself by
getting the next Taxi. The palace is situated opposite
the
Dusit Zoo, north of the National Assembly Building
in Kao Din Park.
The palace is open from 9.30 a.m. in the morning to 4
p.m. in the evening. Admission rates to the palace are
100 baht for every adult. Proper and decent clothes
are
required for visitors coming to the palace since this
was a royal address.
1. Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting
trousers, as well as tights can not be worn as outer
garments.
2. See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culotters
or quarter length trousers can not be worn.
3. Sleeveless shirts or vests can not be worn as outer
garments.
4. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be
worn.
5. All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can not be
rolled up.
6. Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas
and fisherman trousers can not be worn.
|
|
