The magnificent Vimanmek Mansion is a major tourist attraction in the Thai capital Bangkok. Situated within the Dusit palace compound, the mansion is located behind the important National Assembly. The mansion has the distinction of being the most expansive construction on the globe to be built exclusively of golden teak. The building was initially located in Chonburi Province; the entire building was carefully taken to pieces and reconstructed in its present location by decree of King Rama V. Interestingly not even a single metal nail was employed in the building’s construction.
In the years preceding the construction of the palace the King visited many of the royal residences of Europe and observed their grand architecture. Assembled at its current location in 1900, this palace demonstrates the Thai monarch’s refined taste in design and decoration. Accordingly the mansion displays the neoclassical theme of many European palaces in combination with typically Thai architecture and motifs, along with elements of 20th century sophistication.
In the early 1980s the Thai Queen requested the permission of the monarch to restore Vimanmek Palace so that it could function as a museum in honour of King Rama V. It was decided to display this sovereign’s personal arts, handicrafts and photographs, in addition to serving as a showcase of Thailand’s national cultural heritage. Some of the numerous treasures and gifts that King Chulalongkorn amassed on his tour of Europe are exhibited at the venue.
At the mansion you will find antique furniture, porcelain, glassware, memorabilia relating to the reign of the late king, and old photographs of significance. Many of the rooms project the ambience of Thai royalty in years past, with features like ancient cloth, portraits, royal carriages and timepieces.
A highlight at the mansion is the Abhisek Dusit Hall, which displays Queen Sirikit’s selection of masterpiece handicraft items which have been created by talented rural artisans. Traditional displays of Thai style dancing are presented daily at the mansion. Visitors may join a guided tour of the palace to fully understand its cultural heritage.
Selective visitors who desire a quality Bangkok hotel will be pleased by the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. One of the outstanding luxury hotels Bangkok offers this fine rest offers well-appointed rooms and gracious hospitality.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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