A former royal palace in Bangkok, Vimanmek Mansion in Thailand is famous as the Vimanmek Teak Mansion. This impressive three storey palace is the biggest golden teak building in the world. Built as a summer house in 1868, the mansion boasts of 81 splendid rooms and soon became the favourite place of King Rama V.

The completion of this magnificent stately home took place in March 1901 and it was celebrated in grand style. Following the completion King Rama V left the Grand Palace and made Vimanmek Mansion his permanent home. However he remained here for a period of only five years and thereafter moved in to the Amporn Satarn Residence where he died in 1910. The mansion was closed down entirely in 1935 and remained so until 1982 when Queen Sirikit reopened it as a museum.

Today visitors to the Vimanmek National Museum will find numerous belongings of King Rama V. The first indoor bathroom of Thailand can be viewed here. The country’s oldest typewriter is also among the various displays.

The most intriguing feature is that the Vimanmek Mansion was built completely with the use of golden teakwood and not a single nail was used in it construction. This European style palace set up according to age old Thai tradition was created by Teakwood for its charm and special features. For instance, Teakwood contains a particular type of oil that makes it heat resistant and acts as an insect repellent despite being exposed to heavy rains.

The Vimanmek National Museum is just one out of the many phenomenal Thai attractions and staying at a hotel in Bangkok such as Shangri La Hotel, Bangkok makes sightseeing much more convenient, relaxing and exciting.