Located in the Dusit Palace area behind the old National Assembly Building, this three-storey European style mansion is the biggest golden teakwood building in the world. It was originally built in 1868 by command of King Rama V as a summer house on the island of Ko Si Chang off Chon Buri province. It was moved to Dusit Palace compound in 1901 and used as a royal residence. After having been deserted for decades, it was renovated by order of H.M. Queen Sirikit in 1982 and opened to the public as the private museum of King Rama V with 31 exhibition rooms in total. Some rooms such as the bedrooms, the throne room and the bathrooms, are kept in the original condition, while the others are used to display art works. The collection consists mostly of photographs of royalty and other personages. Also displayed are antique furniture, elegant Thai ceramics, precious china, European porcelain, splendid gift items from abroad and many other invaluable memorabilia.
There are several other buildings in the compound that are worth visiting. Most of them display a variety of artefacts and precious art objects. Some interesting ones are:
Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall Built in a harmonious Euro-Thai style, this throne hall is a one-storey building decorated with intricate fretwork known as the floral design, coloured glass and stucco motifs on the gable. It is now used as a museum exhibiting art works and handicrafts of great value, especially those of the SUPPORT Foundation under the royal patronage of HM the Queen.
Suan Farang Kangsai Residential Hall It was originally the residence of Princess Dara Rasmi, a royal consort of King Chulalongkorn. It now displays oil paintings by members of the royal family and various royal paraphernalia, such as an insignia of the king, royal sedan chairs and the Grand Butsabok or movable throne.
Suan Hong Residential Hall This two-storey building was the residence of Queen Sawang Wattana from 1902-1910. Now it houses collections of pictures of royal ceremonies. Moreover, it also houses photographs of activities of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Suan Bua Residential Hall This building was formerly the residence of HH Princess Saisavali Bhiromya, the royal consort of King Rama V. Today, it exhibits the precious art objects which were presented to His Majesty the King on his birthday and other occasions.
Suan Si Rue-du Residential Hall This building was originally the residence of HM Queen Saovabha, and HRH Princess Valaya Alongkorn, HM King Bhumibol's aunt. Presently it displays gifts and art objects presented to His Majesty King Bhumibol on the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne in 1996.
The Royal Carriage Museum contains 23 royal horse-drawn carriages mostly imported from Europe in the reign of King Rama V.
Note : Proper dress is required. Women visitors must wear long skirts or long pants. Men in short pants are not allowed to enter.
Bangkok tour + accommodation package code P-12
Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Vimanmek Mansion, a long-tail boat trip to DamnoenSaduak Floating Market, Coconut Sugar Farm, Royal Thai Handicraft Centre, Rose Garden Riverside, Death Railway
Duration : 3D2N