Vimanmek Mansion

[LoveBug]

Hi. I read about the "largest golden teakwood mansion" in the world when I visited the Grand Palace recently. I looked it up online and it looks beautiful and fascinating. I would especially love to see the Italian-style throne hall which is part of the Vimanmek complex. Would anyone be so kind as to give tips on visiting, when to visit, and how to get there? Are they open year-round or only on certaion occasions? Is a tour guide necessary or compulsary?

The nearest MRT/BTS station near my hotel is Rama IX.

Thanks!

[asanee]

Hi. I read about the "largest golden teakwood mansion" in the world when I visited the Grand Palace recently. I looked it up online and it looks beautiful and fascinating. I would especially love to see the Italian-style throne hall which is part of the Vimanmek complex. Would anyone be so kind as to give tips on visiting, when to visit, and how to get there? Are they open year-round or only on certaion occasions? Is a tour guide necessary or compulsary?

The nearest MRT/BTS station near my hotel is Rama IX.

With your entry ticket to Royal palace you gain FREE entry there-but only whithin a few days after issue-check your ticket. I think its otherwise 50 THb (or maybe 100 for farang)

There is no real BTS/MRT statoin nearby-so you have to use taximeter or bus anyway-for a taxi say ''Dusit-Vivanmek'''' or as usual-let the place you stay write it down in Thai. Closest by I think is Victory Monument-then due west. It opens daily at normal hours-on many days in the mornings at about 10.00 or 10.30 there are free Thai dance sessions. No guide needed- but I think that walks In the wooden palace itself are by guided groups-these go very frequently. As usual; about any guidebook has fuller details.

[MeetJohnDoe]

Yes Vimanek Palace is a nice place to visit. It's actually part of a complex of Royal buildings in a park-like setting. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangkok so is open regular tourist/business hours everyday. As mentioned, if you visit Wat Phra Keow (Grand Palace) admission to Vimanek is part of the ticket also.

The whole complex is located in the Royal district of Dusit...near the current palace of the King. Not really near any BTS or subway line...best like said to have hotel staff write name in Thai and have a meter taxi take you directly there. Then just walk up to entrance counter and buy a ticket. Avoid any touts in the area who will try to tell you it's closed and they have other attractions they can show you for free or something!

[LoveBug]

Thank you! Yes, I know about all those folks who try to take you somewhere else... jewelry shop and so on. I just ignore them. Do you know if the Throne Hall is open to the public? Anyway, I'm there!!!!!