Visit the French Ambassador’s Residence in Bangkok on Saturday 21st September 2019
The Embassy of France in Thailand will open the French Ambassador’s Residence to the public as part of the “36th European Heritage Day”. This year the theme is “Arts and Entertainment”. The Residence of the French Ambassador to Thailand and the lobby of the French Embassy Chancery will be open to visitors on Saturday 21st September 2019, from 10 am to 4 pm. This event is part of cultural activities in celebration of the 333rd anniversary of the Siamese Envoy to France in 1686.
The original building dates back to the 1830’s, however it has been added onto extensively during the 20th Century. Then during the last decade, it went through another series of renovations to modernize it. During the open day, you are allowed up to the living room and large dining room on the second floor, then down to the reception room on the ground floor and the swimming pool around the back. Photography is allowed.
Visitors can make an independent visit with information booklets provided in French and Thai. The electronic version can be downloaded on smartphone through QR Code. Besides, guided tours will be available in French, Thai and English with the following time slots:
French: 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 15:00
Thai: 10:10, 10:40, 11:00, 11:40, 14:10, 15:10
English: 10:50, 11:50, 14:20, 15:20
A guided tour will take about 25 to 35 minutes with a maximum of 20 people for each group, on a first-come, first-served basis. No prior reservation is required. A valid piece of ID (ID card, passport or driving licence) is required at the entrance. Visitors are kindly asked to avoid coming with: umbrella, motorbike helmet, pocket knife and backpack of any size. There will be no storage available at the Embassy. Only small handbags will be allowed once the check is completed.
Heritage Days have been held every year since 1984 on the third weekend of September by the French authorities in France and abroad to promote the richness and diversity of public buildings. They were subsequently adopted by other European countries. This “open house” in Bangkok will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year they had nearly 1,000 visitors and so it may get crowded at times. The French Embassy can be found at: No. 35, rue de Brest, Thanon Charoenkrung Soi 36, in the district of Bang Rak, Bangkok. It is next door to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
MAP OF THE LOCATION: