This palace is located at Ratchawithi Road in the Dusit District, near the King's current residence and behind the National Assembly. It is a traditionally constructed Thai teak building of three storeys, but with European architectural influence, and it was built in 1868 as a summer house and moved to its current location in 1901, where it was used as a favourite royal residence by King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn). It was disused from 1935 until 1982, when it was re-opened to mark the bi-centenary of the city as the national capital. There are 81 rooms, and it claims to be the world's largest building made exclusively of golden teak. No nails are used in its construction. It has Thailand's first indoor bathroom.
Displays include the first Thai typewriter, old china, furniture and paintings. The Royal Carriage Museum, within the palace area, has a collection of imported turn-of-the-century European carriages and the Aphisek Dusit Throne Room has a collection of paintings. The Wiman Mek Palace is open from 9:30 until 4pm. The same rules regarding dress apply as for the Grand Palace. Located behind the National Assembly building.
The following buses pass Wiman Mek Palace: 9, 12, 18, 28, 56, 70, 72, 108 and 110, and air-conditioned buses 3, 9, 10 and 16. From Khao San Road take a 9, 12, 56 or 70. From Sukhumvit Road, take no. 2, or air-conditioned no. 11, and alight immediately after crossing the railway tracks, from where it is about 20 minutes walk. If that is too far, continue to the Democracy Monument and change to a 9, 12, 56 or 70. From Hualampong Station, take a no. 53 to its terminus, from where it is about 10 minutes walk. (02 282 8683).
