Vimanmek Mansion and Dusit Palace in Bangkok: current status and visit

Updated on October 9, 2026

Vimanmek is a three-storey teak residence built in 1900 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and inaugurated in 1901 in the Dusit Palace grounds, north of the old city. It housed the royal family for a few years, then served as a storeroom before becoming a museum in 1982. According to the sources we consulted it has been closed to the public since July 2016, and we found no reopening date; it is reported to have been dismantled in 2018 so that its foundations could be rebuilt. So do not go to Dusit for it without checking first. This page says what used to be on show, what you can do in the neighbourhood, and which points remain uncertain.

Highlights

The teak residence

Vimanmek measures about 60 metres by 20, with 72 rooms painted in different colours. Sources describe it as one of the largest golden teak houses in the world. The photo dates from before the closure: as far as we know, the building cannot be visited today.

The Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall

This openwork wooden pavilion, in a mix of Thai and Victorian styles, stands in the same grounds. For a long time it housed an exhibition of royal handicrafts. We could not confirm whether it is open today: check before you come.

The royal plaza and the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

A few minutes away, at the end of Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, this domed marble building photographs well from the plaza even when the inside is closed. It belongs to the same Dusit royal complex.

Practical info

Tips

Before planning your day, phone or look for the official notice: the sources we consulted gave the numbers 02 628 6300 and 02 281 5454, but we could not test them. Before the closure, admission was 100 baht for foreign visitors and the museum opened from 9:30 to 16:00, Tuesday to Sunday (last entry 15:30): these conditions do not apply while the palace is closed. Dress was checked (no shorts or ripped jeans, shoulders covered) and cameras were left in the lockers; the same rule applies to any royal area. Which parts of the Dusit royal grounds are open depends on ceremonies and works. In the meantime, visit Wat Benchamabophit, the National Museum or, for teak houses you can actually visit, the Jim Thompson House. The district is covered in our Dusit guide; the former Dusit Zoo, closed in 2018, stood right next door.

How to get there

Dusit royal grounds, Ratchawithi Road, Dusit district, Bangkok 10300. No BTS or metro station really serves the area: the simplest way is a taxi or Grab from Siam or the old city (see getting around Bangkok). The boat to Thewet pier brings you closer, but you still have a journey to make.

Opening hours

Best: Early morning (palace closed)

Closed to the public since July 2016 according to the sources consulted; no reopening date confirmed as of 8 October 2026 (before the closure: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30-16:00)