The Grand Palace of Thailand
Grand Palace Demon Guardian
January 23rd, 2021
Today we’re in Bangkok exploring the Grand Palace of Thailand. Today’s post is slightly updated (bigger better photos) from the original, posted way back in 2013.
Bangkok is a city of many vibrant dimensions but at its foundation is the history and artistry shown at this elaborate complex on the Chao Phraya River.
Tomorrow we’ll visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
Until then,
Kelly
Post of the Day: Adding a bit of light to the darkness as we get through the pandemic together. This series features travel photos from my archives, shared with you while staying close to home.
Thailand’s Grand Palace is full of extraordinary artistry and detail. The walled complex was established in 1782 after King Rama I ascended to the throne. The palace includes the royal residence and several government offices. Entering the complex is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s surrounding streets. It can be crowded at times, but there are lots of nooks and crannies among the buildings which provide shady hideaways from the heat and crowds.
The Grand Palace of Thailand
The site covers more than 50 acres with more than 30 halls, pavilions and buildings. Architectural styles vary as structures have been completed over the centuries that have passed since the complex was established. Ornately tiled and gilded halls from the late 1700s exist alongside far more reserved and less colorful buildings from the 20th century. The site includes the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha which houses (you guessed it!) the Emerald Buddha, carved from green jade and first discovered in Chiang Rai in 1434.
Chapel of the Emerald Buddha
A ticket to the Grand Palace includes entry into the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Anyone interested in Thai textiles or fashion should not miss this museum. It showcases many of the exquisite gowns worn by Queen Sirikit herself, and documents her efforts to learn about and preserve the country’s incredible history of textile arts. The efforts of both Queen Sirikit and Jim Thompson (who helped grow the Thai silk industry) have made Thailand a truly amazing place to explore the history and beauty of this craft.
The Grand Palace of Thailand
compassandcamera.wordpress.com 
It is indeed a rather composite architecture with a lot of gold
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, an example of more is more. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your photos are fabulous. We were rushed through hordes of tourists, so I had precious little time to take pictures, and, when I did, there were always other tourists in the way. (And I was in their way!) This temple is sooooo amazing, and nothing like this could be built today, I don’t think. This is a treasure.
LikeLike
Thank you. Great point! Definitely a treasure. Nothing these days is built like this — a sad reality of time and technology. It makes sites like these even more important.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brings back great memories and I love the larger pictures.
Thanks.
LikeLike
Thank you!! Bangkok memories never get old. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Temple of the Reclining Buddha |
Wonderful photos as usual Kelly, especially the white colonnade. It brought back vague memories. We too were there in 2013, and some of this looks familiar but just barely. It’s such an exquisite place.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Alison! It is an exquisite place. I’d really like to go back and see it again, walk the river and dive deeper into the streets and canals. Having been there a handful of times I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. We went to see Thai boxing matches one night. That was something! Will post if I ever find the photos! They’re on a disk somewhere… 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great capture — that artist at work! There is so much detail in all these temples and statues, and I imagine repairs are ongoing. What a city!
LikeLiked by 1 person