Bangkok day tour: Around Dusit Park
By Gael Hilotin for Yahoo! Travel
Amid the excitement of Bangkok district, there's a place where tourists can walk in serenity and savor the iridescence of the arts of the Kingdom as well as its ostentatious architecture. Dusit Park is an epitome of modern Siam, a brainchild of the celebrated King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) which was inspired by his visit to Europe in 1897. Ordinary bus number 70 stops on Uthong Nai road, which is between Vimanmek Mansion and Dusit Zoo.
Vimanmek Palace
The posh Vimanmek Palace, also known as Vimanmek Mansion, is hailed as the largest golden teak wood mansion in the world and is the first permanent residence in the Dusit Garden. The building is heavily influenced by European style and has various exhibit rooms like the silverware display room, a ceramic display room, a glassware display room and an ivory display room.
What makes this mansion unique is that not a single nail was used to build it. Photography is not allowed inside, there is a locker room rental and you can only bring in your wallet. There is also a free English guided tour in the mansion, and each tour is only about 15 minutes. The last tour is at 3:15 pm so you may want to visit this earlier.
Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall
This is a building which houses the handicraft of the finest in Thai artistry and craftsmanship under the support of HM Queen Sirikit. It aims to preserve traditional Thai art and handicraft and help the Thai craftsmen from the rural areas to market their work. The most beautiful feature of the throne hall is its panel adorned with intricate floral motif.
Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
This elegant building is my personal favorite because of the rich display of dazzling Thai art masterpieces and a glorious ceiling combining the traditional Thai cultural heritage and neoclassical architecture. The huge dome is adorned by Chakri Dynasty paintings surrounded by Italian Renaissance interior.
Some works shown here are the replicas of royal thrones and barges, embroidered screens, silks, silverware, neilloware or Krueng Thom, Khram and much more. A tour inside in English narration with a headset is also available (fee is 50 baht). Bear in mind though to wear a conservative outfit when touring this area if you don't want to pay extra fee for a wrap-around or shawl. Unlike in the Grand Palace where you can borrow shawls and wrap around, in Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall you have to buy them. It cost me 40 baht for a plain wrap-around.
Marble Temple
Also called Wat Benchamabophit, this temple has a beautifully designed façade and is situated near the Dusit Park. The entrance fee is 20 baht, and proper dress is required but in case you're wearing a sleeveless, they'll let you borrow a colorful shawl. I noticed that inside the ubosoth there are no Thai mural temple paintings on the walls like other Thai temples in Bangkok but the windows and doors outside still have intricately carved Thai warriors. Inside the temple is a Buddha image, Phra Phutthachinnarat, which is a bronze replica of the original Buddha statue of the Sukhothai period found in Wat Mahathat in Phitsanulok province in the North of Thailand.
At the back of the temple, you will find a series of Buddha statues in different postures and styles. When in the Marble Temple, taking a walk in the entire compound is recommended. I particularly enjoyed sitting beside the canal with the friendly doves, savoring the serenity and fresh air of the place. There is a huge Bodhi tree (the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment) right beside the temple. Beneath the holy tree is a burial site for monks. It is said that, the present king, Rama IV, spent time as a monk here.
These are just a few of the structures found in the Dusit Park area that you can explore. If you have a Grand Palace ticket, admission to the Dusit Palace is already included. You can use it within seven days from the date of purchase.
Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall:
Open every day 9.30 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. except on Chulalongkorn Day (23 October), the King's birthday (05 December) and the Queen's birthday (12 August).
Admission fee: 150B
-Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Women are required to wear appropriate length skirts only. The museum offers Thai wrap skirts and shawls at low prices.
Vimanmek Mansion:
Open every day 9:30am-3:15pm
-Tickets Sold until 3pm
-The last group tour starts at 3:15pm.
-Map for taxi or phone: 02-628-6300
Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall:
Open every day 9:30 am-4 pm
