High on the list of every visitor to Bangkok is its magnificent Grand Palace, or it should be anyway. This massive 218,000 square meter compound, surrounded, in all four sides, by 1900 meter walls is definitely worth an admiring gawk and a half-a-day stroll.
The Grand Palace was established in 1782,under the reign of King Rama I, to serve as the royal residence and host some of the government offices, after the capital was moved to Bangkok. Since then, the palace has been expanded, and more buildings were added.
Wat Phra Kaew;The Temple of Emerald Buddha, one of the most venerated sites in Thailand, was added to the Grand Palace Complex in 1785.In addition to the its holy, beautiful decorated buildings and pagodas,Wat Phra Kaew houses one of the most famous Buddha statues in Thailand: The Emerald Buddha. Despite its name, The Emerald Buddha is carved from a block of green jade, and not emerald as it was initially thought. One of the first things I noticed about the statue, is how small it is. Compared to the large Buddha images we've seen all over Chiang Mai and Bangkok, the 18 inch green Buddha seemed quite small,but its greatness is still obvious. The beautiful green jade image, adorned with gold garment is simply stunning. It has three different gold costumes, one for each season(summer, rainy season and winter), and the costumes are changed by the King of Thailand in ceremonies around March, July and November.Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the monastery, but I found this photo from Bangkok Tours website of the Emerald Buddha with its three golden attires for the summer, rainy season and winter. Visiting in May, we got to see the Buddha in its summer costume.
The grounds of the Grand Palace are massive, and there is art and detail at every corner, so it was hard for my brain to comprehend every thing my eyes were seeing, but in addition to the temple and the Emerald Buddha, The Chakri Maha Prasat stood out for me. Perhaps it is due to the fact that its style is influenced by the Italian Renaissance, it is just a gorgeous structure.
It was very easy getting to the Grand Palace from our hotel.We took the ferry and got off at Chang pier. Approaching the palace from the river was neat, because it gave us a glimpse of the greatness we were about to experience, be aware, however, of all the scammers around the walls of the Grand Palace. Admission to the Grand Palace,which also includes couple other sites in Bangkok, is 300 Baht(less then $10), and proper attire(no shorts,capris or sleeveless shirts) is required. We rented the audio guide, and tried to navigate around the crowds in the hot muggy May day in Bangkok, here are some of the photos we have taken:
Comments (7)
What an amazing place! It's so charming how that Buddha has different seasonal outfits. And the architecture is just incredible. Love how you found a touch of Italy there!
Posted by Annie | July 29, 2009 5:56 AM
Posted on July 29, 2009 05:56
Hi Candi, wow what a beautiful palace. And from your third photo, I can see how large it is. The small jade buddha is really beautiful. The architecture is really amazing. So colorful too.
What a great experience to have seen this palace in person. Thank you so much for sharing your photos and experience seeing it with us. Have a great day today.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | July 29, 2009 6:17 AM
Posted on July 29, 2009 06:17
Candi, your photos are beautiful. What a stunning palace.
I wonder if I would feel comfortable, traveling alone there? It looks so spectacular, I'd love to visit Thailand.
Posted by sandrac | July 29, 2009 1:19 PM
Posted on July 29, 2009 13:19
Annie,
I guess Italy is always on my mind, so I spot it everywhere, LOL.
Kathy,
The architecture and colors are amazing in the GP. I am glad you liked it.
Sandra,
I think you will totally be comfortable traveling in Chiang Mai by yourself, people are so friendly. In Bangkok, I think you will enjoy the sites, but I am not sure you'll have as much people interaction.
But I think you'll really enjoy Thailand.
Posted by candi | July 29, 2009 1:39 PM
Posted on July 29, 2009 13:39
Fascinating. I bet the ceremonies to change the Buddha's outfit are awesome. I am so enjoying seeing this part of the world through your eyes, Candi. I think I mentioned before that it had not been a place that previously drew me, but am now seriously thinking I will have to visit there someday. You make it sound wonderful! Gorgeous photos, too, I had no idea Bankok was so beautiful!
Posted by Anne | August 1, 2009 10:07 AM
Posted on August 1, 2009 10:07
I visited the Grand Palace so many years ago that I don't remember much. Thanks for posting such beautiful photos!
Love the idea of the changing outfits and the fact that there are only three seasons. In Arizona we have two: 1-sunny and cool and 2- sunny and scorching.
Posted by María I. | August 4, 2009 1:54 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 13:54
I have never heard of a jade Buddah. Very cool! How interesting that they have three costumes for him. Amazing photos!
Posted by girasoli | August 10, 2009 2:19 AM
Posted on August 10, 2009 02:19