Bangkok - Day 2 Grand Palace

The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang in Thai) is a complex of buildings which served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. The present King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) lives in Chitralada Palace.

We reached the Grand Palace after lunch. Once we got there, we found out that not only was there an entry fee of 250 Baht, but a dress code as well. Sleeveless clothes, shorts and three-quarters were not allowed and the many many tourists who had turned up in them were given wraparound skirts in exchange for a sum as deposit. Shub had a sleeveless top on, and she was given a guy's shirt which made her look like an auto-driver from India. My three-quarters were slightly longer than usual, and somehow escaped scrutiny.

Guards doing the march at the palace gate


More guards

Many of the photos that follow are uncaptioned because I'm not sure of the name of these structures, but I decided to retain them just for the sheer visual delight.

Phra sri ratana chedi







A giant yaksha (half elephant half demon) Dhosa Kiridhorn, on guard






A kinnara - celestial musician which is half-human and half-bird




















The stone model of Angkor Wat dates from the reign of Rama IV, when what is now Cambodia was a vassal state of Siam.

This structure served as a nice home for a beaver's nest. We could even see the baby birds inside! I tried to zoom and take a shot, but was unsuccessful.



We saw this sign...


...and spent some five minutes analysing what was wrong with it! Trust four engineers to do a thing like that!



Another kinnara

I lend a helping hand to the yakshas.

Pizzadude, Viv and me



Pink and blue yakshas guarding the doorway


One of my biggest hobbies when I'm travelling - photographing funny signs.

Another postcard-y picture!

This artist was touching up the paintings on the walls.


This painting of the yaksha sleeping (hey, isn't he supposed to be on guard?) looks so 3-D!

This area was lined with bonsais like this. Dad would be thrilled to see them!

They make quite a sight, don't they?

Colourful fish in a little tank near the exit

Coming up next - the climb up the Wat Arun and the river cruise