Vimanmek Teak Mansion

Originally contructed on Ko Si Chang in 1868 and moved to the present site in the Dusit Palace grounds in 1910, this beautiful L-shaped, three-storey mansion (Central Bangkok map; Phra Thi Nang Wimanmek; 02-6286300; admission 100B, free with Grand Palace ticket open 9.30am-3.15pm daily) contains 81 rooms, halls and anterooms, and is said to be the world's largest golden teak building. The staircases, octagonal rooms and lattice walls are nothing short of magnificent, but in spite of this, the maansion retains a surprisingly serene and intimate atmosphere.

Vimanmek was the first permanent building on the Dusit Palace grounds. It served as Rama V's residence in the early 1900s, was closed in 1935 and reopened in 1982 for the Ratanakosin bicentennial. The interior of the mansion contains various personal effects of the king, and a treasure trove of early Ratanakosin art objects and antiques.

English-language tours are held every half-hour between 9.30am and 3pm. The tours cover around 30 rooms and last an hour. Smaller adjacent buildings display historic photography that documents the Chakri dynasty.

Vimanmek is towards the northern end of the grounds, which also contains Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, Royal Elephant Museum. landsscaped gardens and a stage for traditional dancing shows (at 10.30am and 2pm). As this is royal property, visitors wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts will be refused entry.

Bus Nos 70, 72 and 510 willdrop you at Th U-thong Nai, Th Si Ayuthaya and Th Ratwithi respectively.