Bangkok-day 2

Day 2, we took a cab to The Grand Palace, the most sacred place in bangkok. It's located at the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. Nowadays the Palace is being used only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence (18th century to mid 20th century). The present King Bhumibol (Rama IX) lives in Chitralada Palace, which is located not too far away in Bangkok's Dusit district.

Chakri Mahaprasad Hall

If you plan to visit the Grand Palace, do observe their dress code. For guys, no shorts allowed; for gals, no sleevelesss, spaghetti top, short skirts that reveals skin. There is an officer at the gate to stop you from the entrance is you did not dress properly. He or she will refer you to the office right next for you to borrow sarong or long pants to dress. There's a deposit fee around 100 baht, if my memory still serves me right.

There's lots of monuments or buildings around the palace, one of the prominent one is Chakri Mahaprasad Hall. This is the reception and throne hall commisioned by the King Rama V in 1882. Originally the design of the roof is dome shape, but his advisor insisted on a traditional thai roof. The building has the influence of European style.

Next The Chapel Royale of Emerald Buddha (Wat Phraw Kaew). This is Thailand's most important and sacred temple. Also, the only temple no residence monks in it. It houses the tiny (between 60 and 75 cm) Emerald Buddha, which is located high above the heads of the worshippers and tourists. It quite difficult to have a good look, and photography is forbidden in here.

Inside the chapel royale ground has a gallery. The murals depicted the story of the Ramakien of the first reign version. From time to time, the murals will be repainted to maintain its historic past.

There are 4 major - interesting monuments/buildings surrounds the Chapel. The Impressive gold Phra Sri Ratana Chedi. The Chedi was built by King Rama IV in the mid 19th century with the Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn (Royal Pantheon). It claims house the ashes of buddha.

Phra Sri Ratana Chedi

The Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn (Royal Pantheon), it kept the exact life size of seven kings of Chakri Dynasty from King Rama I - VII. I wish to see these, but it was closed. I read somewhere in the internet that they only open to the public once a yr, on Chakri day which is on April 6th.

Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn

Next, a miniature model of the famous Cambodian temple Angkor Wat, made during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) when the Thai empire extended over Cambodia.

The Phra Mondop library, consist of 2 libraries which house to protect important Buddhist Canon and literatures. The walls of the library are covered in green mirrored tiles inlaid with gold medallions depicting Buddha. The base of the walls are lined with two rows of small gilded guardian angels, each one slightly different. At the four corners of the Phra Mondop are stone Buddhas carved in the nineth century Javanese style. Sixteen twelve-cornered columns support the intricate multi-tier roof. It is not always open to the public.

Surrounding this area, there's a number of mythological creatures from Hindu and buddhist mythology, such as the mythological guardian (Yak) - a nature spirit, who are a caretaker of the nature treasures hidden in the earth or tree roots. The Kinnari - half bird, half man/woman creature. If is a female counterpart, she is renowned for her dance, song and poetry, and is a traditional symbol of feminine beauty, grace and accomplishment.

At the Royal Pantheon, at the base of the hall. You will see Garudas holding Nagas. It believes that a Garuda is the King of birds and mount of Vishnu, one of the greatest Hindu gods. Naga is the King of serpents and enemy of Garuda. The motif of Garuda holding a Naga is believed to have the power to chase away evil spirits.

After visiting Grand Palace, we proceed to the Wat Pho (Sleeping buddha), jst next to it.

At night, we shopped at Suan Lum Market. I love this market the most, it has lots of uniquely designed stuff can be found here. But I don't fancy the food court near Suan Lum Market. Maybe we chose the wrong food stalls. My favourite cafe is this - Doitung Cafe. :) Nice place to chill out with a cup of coffee.