Energized by the morning's exciting palace visit, I headed next to see the former royal home, Vimanmek Teak Mansion. This was the residence of King Rama V (the King and I Prince) in the early 1900's. It is now located on the Dusit Palace grounds right behind the beautiful Parliament Building. When you are on the serene palace grounds it is hard to believe noisy Bangkok is all around. Vimanmek is the largest world's largest golden teak building. There are 81 rooms and the tour takes over an hour. The gorgeous polished teak floors are held together with teak pegs, no nails were used, and the lattice works is superb. The mansion housed the best that foreign worlds had to offer Chinese porcelain, Murano glass, American Steinway pianos, Waterford crystal, etc. But the feeling was peacefully Thai.
After touring the mansion I visited the wonderful Royal Elephant Museum on the grounds. White elephants were automatically declared royal and given to the royal family. But, other elephants who displayed certain (listed) characteristics could also become royal with a full ceremony. Who knew?
The final excitement of the day was the traditional Thai dance performance on the Teak Stage. It was wonderful. Thai's are truly lovely and graceful people! Did I mention that I absolutely adore Bangkok? It is a magical city!
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