The Grand Palace - Bangkok

Posted: February 6th, 2009 under Bangkok, Historical, Temples.

This morning I had my first chance to see the sights of Bangkok. Mike had arranged for me to have a tour of The Grand Palace with two guides. The palace grounds cover 61 acres on which is Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist Temple and the home of the Emerald Buddha. I had an opportunity to see and photograph many of the buildings on the site. It’s hard to describe the size and magnificence of detail, and even photos don’t do it justice. It was as compelling viewing closeup detail of the architecture as it was viewing the vast landscapes. I took over 100 photos, and when I return home I’ll put them in a proper gallery. I am including just a few below — but these by no means tell even a fraction of the story.

At one point on my tour we arrived at a large gate where many tourists were peering through. To my happy surprise my guides opened the gate and took me through, and we were on the private grounds of The Grand Palace. There is a serenity here, apart from the many thousands of tourists and visitors, and I felt as though I was suddenly transported to a truly royal seat of power. While the King does not live here any longer, the Royal Guest House is regularly used for State visitors. Across the huge park square I could see Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

The highlight of the tour was the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Although photos are not allowed inside, I was able to take a long-zoom photo of the Emerald Buddha from just outside the main entrance. You can see it below. After leaving the Temple, I joined in the Buddhist tradition of dipping a white lotus in holy water and dripping it on my head, which will undoubtedly bring me good fortune and make my wishes come true.

My next post will be later this weekend about the river house. It’s simply one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever stayed.

The Emerald Buddha (really made out of jade)

The Emerald Buddha (really made out of jade)

Some of the 112 Garudas protecting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Some of the 112 Garudas protecting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

In front of the Royal Guest House

In front of the Royal Guest House

4 Comments »

  1. Please bring home some of that dripping water. W

    Comment by Wendy — February 6, 2009 @ 5:10 pm

  2. I’m Laura Caton’s son, and I really like your pictures of Thailand. Is the emerald Buddah statue really made entirely of jade? They really remind me of my favorite comic character: Tintin!
    My mom THINKS you might like him too. Is that true? We really can’t wait to see more of your photos!

    Comment by colin caton — February 12, 2009 @ 6:30 pm

  3. Hi Colin, thanks for the note. Yes, it’s really made out of jade. The Emerald Buddha also wears a costume, actually one of three costumes that are changed depending on the season. Believe it or not, the King of Thailand himself changes the costume on the Emerald Buddha in a ceremony 3 times a year — that’s part of his traditional duties. LOL, I know TinTin, but don’t know too much about it. Something for me to do when I get back home! I’ve got a ton of photos, I’m only posting a few. Between the Garudas, Devil Spirts, Buddhas, and all the other characters from Buddhist legend, there’s plenty to take pictures of. When I get home I’ll put up a full gallery and make sure to send you a link. Cya. Andy

    Comment by macnmotion — February 12, 2009 @ 11:23 pm

  4. Great Snakes!
    When you get home ( to America ) , try reading the adventure CIGARS OF THE PHARAOH . It reminds me ofyour photos. Why? Probably because it takes place partly in India!

    Comment by colin caton — February 14, 2009 @ 7:52 pm

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