>> Situated in the heart of the Dusit Park in Bangkok, Vimanmek (Phra Thi Nang Wiman Mek) is the largest golden teak wood palace in the world. Erected in 1901, at the request of King Rama V (1868-1910), this superb residence is today surrounded by a multitude of buildings or little museums, each one as captivating as the other.

The royal residence was originally built in 1868 on the island Ko Si Chang in Chonburi Province (south-west of Bangkok) and was dismounted peg by peg and reconstructed in its current location in the capital. In the end King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) only actually lived there for 5 years from 1901 to 1906 during which time he had another palace built, Chitralada Palace. After his death in 1910, only a few members of the royal family occupied this sumptuous house sporadically until 1935. After that the residence was abandoned and left to deteriorate. Queen Sirikit initiated the restoration of Vimanmek to its original state and on the occasion of the Bangkok's bicentennial in 1982, it was inaugurated as a museum dedicated to King Rama V.

In a style that is very western, reflecting European and Victorian architecture, 31 of the 81 rooms that make up this building were restored, refurbished and decorated as they had been at the beginning of the last century with personal effects from the Sovereign and his family.

Chinese porcelain, crystal, furniture, paintings, statues, ivory, carpets... all give a remarkable splendour to a residence that is already exceptional in its structure (made entirely of wood pegged together). There are certain rarities to be seen like the dining room covered in crocodile skin, the country's first bath, the King's collection of Remington (Thai) typewriters and the Royal Audience Room with its magnificent royal chairs.

As well as visiting the Vimanmek Palace, the Dusit park itself holds 20 or so interesting things to see like the Royal Throne Room, the exhibition of King Rama IX photography and the museum of royal cars. (/LA)