Palaces and Mansions in Bangkok
Architecturally inspiring and a fascinating insight into Thailand's rich culture, Bangkok's heritage is reflected in its palaces and mansions. Bangkok's number one attraction, the Grand Palace is breathtakingly exquisite. Shimmering in gold, alongside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it represents the best in Thai traditions. After that, don't forget to visit Vimanmek Mansion, the world's biggest wooden building made from golden teak - fascinating! Take a closer look at some of the capital's other cultural gems for an insight into this fascinating city. |
If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. (READ MORE)
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Suan Pakkad Palace is a place to find visions of Thailand you thought long since vanished in Bangkok. Its name means 'cabbage patch', in reference to when the land was nothing more than that. Today, however, it's much as it has been for over 50 years: a well-tended tropical garden with serene ponds surrounding eight traditional Thai houses, each of which brims to overflowing with fine arts, antiquities and oddities belonging to Prince and Princess Chumbhot. (READ MORE)
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After liberating Siam from the Burmese in 1767, following their ransacking of Ayutthaya, a general and provincial governor named Taksin was crowned King. He built Wangderm palace to mark the establishment of the new capital in Thonburi. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River near Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), it occupies a site once of great strategic importance, behind the Wichayen Fort and other fortifications that guarded access to the Kingdom's port. (READ MORE)
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Located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, Vimanmek Royal Mansion is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Removed from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was rebuilt in the Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. It was recently renovated by HM Queen Sirikit, and made into a museum paying homage to the late King.
As well as antique furniture, there's glassware, porcelain, old photographs and memorabilia from the late King's reign (1868 - 1910). Many rooms currently maintain the atmosphere of the past. A guided tour is provided to visitors. Most of the building in the same compound are now used as museums. The outstanding one is Abhisek Dusit Hall, which exhibits HM Queen Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people. The other displays of various items and art objects including HM King Bhumibol's photography, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, ancient cloth, clocks, and royal carriages. Parts of Vimanmek are still used for various state functions and receptions for visiting royalty when the buildings are closed to the public. Traditional Thai dancing commences daily at 10:30 and 14:00.
Open: 08:30 until 16:30 (Tuesday - Saturday, last ticket at 15:30)
Location: Rajavithee Road. Close to Dusit Zoo and the Dusit Palace complex.
Admission: Admission to the Vimanmek Mansion museum is 100 baht, which entitles you to enter every building and gallery. Note that you will need to show your ticket to the attendant at the entrance to every building.
Please note: No shorts or sleeveless shirts and skirts must be at least knee-length or you won't be allowed in.
Learn more about palaces: The Grand Palace, Suan Pakkad Palace, Wangderm Palace, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Chitraladarahotarn Palace, Ladawan Palace
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| Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall |
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The centerpiece of Bangkok's own Champs D'Elysee, this impressive two-storey white marble palace sits at the end of Dusit's long, wide Royal Plaza, a leafy ceremonial boulevard that's often the focus of regal pomp and ceremony during royal celebrations. Ordered by King Rama V in 1907 and finished in the reign of King Rama VI, its neo-classical Renaissance architecture - particularly its central dome - dominate the scene just as Italian architects Mario Tamango and Annibale Rigotti intended. Following the 1932 coup it housed the first Thai parliament, but today its ornate interiors serve as a prestigious locale in which to court visiting dignitaries, hold state council meetings and royal occasions.
Inside is a stunningly beautiful central dome, under which the Royal Throne sits. Lining it and each of the six other domes' walls are frescoes depicting Chakri Dynasty monarchs (painted by Galileo Chini). The long hall on the upper floor is embellished with embossed roman and floral patterns showing Renaissance and Baroque arts. Outside, visitors can find impressive views both from the large paved plaza in front of it (site of the annual Tropping of the Color in December, the Red Cross Fair in late March, as well as the King Rama V statue) or the trim gardens adjoining it with Vimanmek Mansion. On Children's Day, in the second week of January each year, the grounds and interiors are more fully open to the public.
Where: Royal Plaza, Dusit
Admission: 50 baht (20 baht for Thais). A ticket for the Grand Palace gives free entry to Dusit Palace, including the Vimanmek Mansion and Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall.
Learn more about palaces: The Grand Palace, Suan Pakkad Palace, Wangderm Palace, Vimanmek Mansion, Chitraladarahotarn Palace, Ladawan Palace
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| Chitraladarahotarn Palace |
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Closed to the public, this is His Majesty King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit's official residence. Constructed by King Rama VI and formerly King Chulalongkorn's summer home, its one-square kilometre grounds include several artificial lakes and are bordered by Italian-designed walls and a prominent moat. At each corner is a fountain adorned with late Baroque figures drawn from mythology, evidence of the cultivated taste of Thailand's rulers.
Today it not only serves as live-in palace for the monarchy, but is also home to an agricultural research station founded by his H.M. to help solved the problems of Thai farmers around the country. Called The Royal Chitralada Projects, this non-profit institute includes experimental rice fields, a fish farm, dairy farm, fruit juice plant, beef-rearing unit, a candle factory and mushroom factory. Originally built for royal offspring, there is also the Chitralada School. Today, the children of staff and people not associated with the palace are admitted, from kindergarden through to 12th grade.
Where: Rama V Road, Dusit
Learn more about palaces: The Grand Palace, Suan Pakkad Palace, Wangderm Palace, Vimanmek Mansion, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Ladawan Palace
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Newly-restored and open once again to the public, Ladawan Palace, on Ratchasima Road, was built in 1907 as a gift from King Rama V to his son Prince Yugala Bidhamabara. With large verdant gardens and wide ventilating corridors and windows, it flaunts his penchant for European living concepts at the time. Also known as the Red Palace due its crimson outer walls, it is a two-storey brick and stone building with four-storey watchtower. Designed in the style of Victorian and Italian villas by Italian architect G. Bruno, many Western architectural techniques such as arches, pilasters, rustication and wall bearings are in evidence.
Ladawan Palace fell into disuse during most of the 20th Century, and in the 1990's disrepair. However, today home to the Crown Property Bureau - who were instrumental in its restoration - its interiors once again exhibit the glories of the 'East meets West' concept they were based on, with bas reliefs depicting biblical stories decorating the walls, Chinese wooden carvings and paintings projecting an oriental mood. Its marble floor has been restored, and its beautiful ceiling repainted bright yellow and decorated with gold leaf. A definite highlight is the prayer room with breathtaking Chinese-style Buddha altar and gilded, black-lacquered cabinet.
Where: Ratchasima Road, Dusit
Learn more about palaces: The Grand Palace, Suan Pakkad Palace, Wangderm Palace, Vimanmek Mansion, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Chitraladarahotarn Palace
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