Vimanmek Mansion

One attraction that visitors often don't get around to seeing in Bangkok is the Vimanmek Mansion, the former royal palace and world's largest golden teakwood mansion, an incredible feat of architecture and handicraft, and a spot that is certainly worth paying an afternoon's visit to. Vimanmek was built in 1900 by King Rama V and in 1982 opened as a museum to the public. The mansion, which combines a blend of exquisite Victorian and Thai architecture, shows off Rama V's handicrafts, photos, and memorabilia, and features items like the first Thai language typewriters, teapots made of ostrich eggs, the telescope collection of Rama V, and the first shower in Thailand, in addition to the ponds, fountains, and gardens surrounding the former palace.