A Tour of the Dusit Park in Bangkok

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is arguably the most stunning structure found on the grounds of Dusit Palace Park. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century and the architecture is different to the other palaces found around Thailand. This is because King Rama V ventured to Europe and returned with a new idea of what the homes of the royal family should look like, hence the reason why Dusit Palace Park looks as it does. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Bangkok, จังหวัด กรุงเทพมหานคร 10300, +66 02 283 9411

The elephant is the national animal in Thailand, so it may come as no surprise that there is an entire museum dedicated to them. The Royal Elephant National Museum is located in the Dusit District at the Chitralada Royal Palace. The museum, known as the Chang Ton National Museum, was the previous home of the heavily revered white elephants who are a symbol of royalty and only used by members of the monarchy. The old stables reflect traditional Thai architecture during the Rattanakasin era and were built in 1976. It was not until 2008 that the stables were turned into a museum. Also known as the Royal Elephants’ Stable Museum, it is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 12 pm.

Royal Elephant Museum, 16 Uthong Nai Alley, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand, +66 2 282 3336

The Vimanmek Mansion is certainly an architectural wonder. The stunning palace has a hexagon-shaped roof, and it is rumored that the mansion didn’t need a single nail to be built. It is made entirely of teak wood, and has been dubbed the world’s largest teak building, with some 80 rooms and halls inside. The mansion was built as a royal residence in 1868 on Ko Si Chang. It was not until 1910 that it was moved to its current location and was only made into a museum by Her Majesty the Queen in the early 1980s. The palace is currently under construction.

Vimanmek Palace, 16 Rajvithi Rd, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand, +66 2 628 6300

Located in the Dusit District is the all boys boarding school, Vajiravudh College, founded by King Rama VI. Visitors may wonder why a university should be included on their itinerary while in Dusit but they will quickly change their tune when they lay eyes on this stunning school. If it weren’t for the two goal posts and uniformed students meandering about, visitors might think the structure was a temple or palace rather than an educational institution. The architecture is certainly aweworthy and visitors will want to make a quick stop for a photograph or two before moving on to the next top site.

Vajiravudh College, ถนน, 197 ถนน ราชวิถี แขวง ดุสิต เขต ดุสิต กรุงเทพมหานคร 10300, Thailand, +66 2 669 4526

Wat Benchamabophit, otherwise known as the Marble Temple, is a spectacular Buddhist temple in Dusit. Everything from the pillars to the courtyard and more are made of glistening, Italian marble, and it continues to be a major tourist attraction. Construction of the temple began in 1899 and was designed King Rama IV’s son, Prince Naris. It still remains less crowded and busy than Wat Pho or Wat Arun, and it will surely shock all those who visit.

Wat Benchamabophit, 69 ถนน นครปฐม ติด คลอง Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand, +66 2 282 2667

The Museum of Floral Culture is fairly new, and visitors to Dusit should be sure to visit before word gets out about this unique museum. Anyone fond of foliage will be happy to hear this museum is literally made for people like them, as it was created by Thai florist Sakul Intakul, whose portfolio includes work for HM Queen Sirikit. The museum houses Thai floral pieces that reflect the country’s culture in addition to those across Asia. The house itself is an architectural wonder, covering some 1,800 square meters and is over 100 years old. The museum is open from Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Museum of Floral Culture, 315 Samsen Rd. Soi 28, Yaek Ongkarak 13, Khwaeng Thanon Nakhon Chai Si, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand, +66 2 669 3633

Located near Dusit Palace Park is the Dusit Zoo. Should visitors be so pleased with escaping the city on the palace grounds and have no desire to return just yet, they can instead check out this zoo, originally built on Khao Din Wana, a botanical garden. It officially opened to the public on March 18, 1983. In addition to viewing the wildlife, visitors can also go for a train ride, enjoy the water bicycle station, or partake in animal feedings. The Dusit Zoo is open Monday through Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm.

Dusit Zoo, IBT No.71,Rama 5 Road,Dusit 10300, แขวง ดุสิต เขต ดุสิต กรุงเทพมหานคร 10300, Thailand, +66 2 281 2000

Visitors can take the BTS Skytrain to Phraya Thai. From there, it is a ฿60 motorbike taxi from exit 3. You can also get a taxi there and many drivers will know where Dusit Zoo is.