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| Garden view of the mansion |
Bangkok is rich in many sites and attractions. Being a royal capital, it has many palaces and royal mansions.
Such is Vimanmek Palace, a former residence of H.M.King Rama V (1868-1910), known for modernizing the country and opening it to the western world while preserving its independence from colonialism. It was completed in 1901.The King did not stay long in this mansion and it fell into desuetude for many years until H.M Queen Sirikit, spouse of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the present sovereign, decided to have it restored in 1982 to preserve the Thai royal heritage for future generations.
The building has the particularity of being built in teak wood. It is now open to visitors as a national museum. The Guinness Book of World Records has classified it as the largest teakwood construction in the world.
It is set in a garden with canals and former dependencies. This part of Bangkok is known as Dusit. There two other major attractions in the vicinity: the Throne Hall and also Dusit Zoo that spreads in a large park. The palace has kept its original furniture and collections. It has a definite European decoration mixed with a more traditional Thai atmosphere.
The problem is that it has become a major tourist attraction as it is on the guided tours for the Chinese tourists in particular. There are so many visitors that you cannot really have the time to enjoy it at your own pace. They also do not allow any photos inside. So it feels as if you have to rush through the visit.
Yet, in the garden, there are other interesting buildings, which are spared by the tourist flow. Two smaller pavilions are used to host a selection of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's photographic work, who has always been a keen photographer. It is quite interesting and here, you can enjoy total freedom as there is a good chance no one will come to disturb you while you are there.
Christian Sorand
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| Vimanmek courtyard & entrance |
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