“The museum is renowned for its stunning teakwood architecture, historical royal collections, and its significance as a former royal residence built under King Rama V.”
Vimanmek Mansion is the largest golden teakwood mansion in the world.
It was commissioned to dismantle the Munthatu Rattanarot Throne Hall, which had been ordered to be built on Ko Sichang Island in 1892 but was never completed. The royal master builder (Phra Ratchayothep, later known as Phraya Ratsadon) was assigned to oversee the relocation of the Munthatu Rattanarot Throne Hall from Ko Sichang to Dusit Garden. The mansion was named "Vimanmek Mansion," and the foundation stone was laid on August 31, 1900. The design was supervised by His Royal Highness Prince Narissaranuwattiwong, and the mansion’s inauguration took place on March 27, 1902.
Built entirely from golden teakwood, Vimanmek Mansion features exquisite architectural details influenced by Western styles. Construction was completed in March 1901, and King Rama V resided there until Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall was completed in 1906. King Rama V then moved permanently to Amphorn Sathan until his death on October 23, 1910. Vimanmek Mansion continued to serve as a royal residence until the end of the reign, after which members of the royal family and royal attendants returned to the Grand Palace.
During the reign of King Rama VI, Queen Indrasakdisaji resided in Vimanmek Mansion in 1925, but after King Rama VI passed away on November 25, 1925, she moved out. Since then, Vimanmek Mansion has no longer been used as a royal residence.
In 1982, the 200th anniversary of Rattanakosin, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit granted permission to restore Vimanmek Mansion to establish it as a museum dedicated to King Rama V. Today, Vimanmek Mansion is open as a museum under the care of the Bureau of the Royal Household, including the surrounding royal residences of the inner royal family.
How to Get There
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Bus lines 12, 18, and 70 serve the nearby area
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Taxi or ride-hailing apps are convenient options
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Private cars with parking available nearby
Travel Tips
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The best time to visit is from November to February for cooler weather
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking inside the mansion
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Bring a camera to capture the exquisite architecture and exhibits
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Try local food near the museum area
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Plan your visit ahead during holidays to avoid crowds
Admission Fee:
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Thai visitors: Adult 100 THB, Child 50 THB
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Foreign visitors: Adult 200 THB, Child 100 THB
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(Updated 2025 by the Fine Arts Department)
Opening Hours:
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Open daily from 09:00 to 16:00