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Thailand - Grand Palace (Bangkok)


Photo Gallery of Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Grand Palace is (I guess) the most famous tourist place in Bangkok.
The view of Grand Palace.

It was built in 1782 when the capital was moved from Thonburi to Bangkok by Rama I.
Excellent artists were gathered from each area over the country and they competed with each other over their skills. The successive kings repair or build an extension.

The Grand Palace consists of four parts;
The outer part is the civil and military headquarters, the central is the King's living quarters, the inner part is for female members of the royal family and their attendants, and another area is the royal temples.

This is one of my favorite places in Thailand. I want to visit again if it's not a too much warm day. You must visit here at least once  if you go to Thailand or Bangkok for the first time or are interested in historical things.
(You can't tell about Thailand without visiting here. :D)




[Grand Palace] Around the palace

Photos of around the Grand Palace.
Photos of around the Grand Palace.
Around the Grand Palace, big streets with well-trimmed shrubbery (like the picture above) and a lot of shops for visitors can be seen.
Also, you'll see buses and taxis on the street, of course, the Thailand's special and famous vehicle "Tuk-Tuk"s are rushing around.
Picture
(Big picture of the King on the street.)
City Pillar Shrine
Bangkok City Pillar Shrine.
Thai massage
Thai massage is on the street. Looks comfortable. :D
Shops
A lot of shops around the Grand Palace.
Picture
(Big picture of the King on the street.)
City Pillar Shrine
Bangkok City Pillar Shrine.
Thai massage
Thai massage is on the street.
Looks comfortable. :D
Shops
A lot of shops around the Grand Palace.
Cars for seeing around
Cars go around the Grand Palace. Very useful.
Phra Thinang Sutthaisawan
The building between gates of the Grand Palace.
Guard
A guard in a cool uniform.
Now, let's get it !
About time to go in the Grand Palace. Let's got !
Cars for seeing around
Cars go around the Grand Palace. Very useful.
Phra Thinang Sutthaisawan
The building between gates of the Grand Palace.
Guard
A guard in a cool uniform.
Now, let's get it !
About time to go in the Grand Palace. Let's got !

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[Grand Palace] Buildings on the upper terrace

 I visited here for a few times so far and the first sight like the picture comes up. They are buildings located on the upper terrace in the Grand Palace.
I visited here for a few times so far and the first sight like the picture comes up.
A lot of buildings including a big chedi where Buddha's ashes or bones are enshrined and the model of Angkor Wat will welcome you. I was overwhelmed by the magnificent sight for the first time.
If you go to Bangkok, this is the must-go place. I'm sure. :D
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi
The huge golden chedi where Buddha's ashes or bones are enshrined.
Phra Mondop (Library)
Tipitaka (Buddhist scriptures) is housed.
Wikipedia: Tipitaka
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi
The huge golden chedi where Buddha's ashes or bones are enshrined.
Phra Mondop (Library)
Tipitaka (Buddhist scriptures) is housed.
Wikipedia: Tipitaka
 The model of Angkor Wat
The Khmer temple of 12th century.
It was under Thai rule in the era of Rama IV.
Prasat Phra Thep Bidon (Royal Pantheon)
Having golden chedis on the both side, this Royal Pantheon houses statues of Rama I to VIII.
 The model of Angkor Wat
R
The Khmer temple of 12th century.
It was under Thai rule in the era of Rama IV.
Prasat Phra Thep Bidon (Royal Pantheon)
Having golden chedis on the both side, this Royal Pantheon houses statues of Rama I to VIII.
 This building ...
The name can't be found. The building close to the chedi.
Buddha image
A Buddha image near the Phra Mondop (library).
 Supporting
Demons supporting the chedis on the both sides of Prasat Phra Thep Bidon.
 Prasat Phra Thep Bidon (Royal Pantheon) 2
From another angle.
 This building ...
The name can't be found. The building close to the chedi.
Buddha image
A Buddha image near the Phra Mondop (library).
 Supporting
Demons called Krut supporting the chedis on the both sides of Prasat Phra Thep Bidon.
 Prasat Phra Thep Bidon (Royal Pantheon) 2
From another angle.
 Phra Wihan Yot
The shape and decorations are very elegant and beautiful.
It's said that an important Buddha image is enshrined.
 Ho Phra Monthien Tham - The Supplementary Library
They say that the front decoration is the most beautiful in Bangkok.
 Phra Wihan Yot
The shape and decorations are very elegant and beautiful.
It's said that an important Buddha image is enshrined.
 Ho Phra Monthien Tham - The Supplementary Library
They say that the front decoration is the most beautiful in Bangkok.
 Decorations of Phra Wihan Yot
Close up of the upper part of the building.
Very elaborately decorated.
 Scenery on the upper terrace
A lot of visitors enjoy seeing the scenery and taking photos.
 Scenery from the upper terrace
Many buildings and a lot of visitors.
 Monument
One of the monuments for Rama I, Rama II and Rama III.
 Decorations of Phra Wihan Yot
Close up of the upper part of the building.
Very elaborately decorated.
 Scenery on the upper terrace
A lot of visitors enjoy seeing the scenery and taking photos.
 Scenery from the upper terrace
Many buildings and a lot of visitors.
 Monument
One of the monuments for Rama I, Rama II and Rama III.

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Wat Phra Kaew - Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is a royal temple and it's said that it consists of all the architectural features of the monastery.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is a royal temple and it's said that it consists of all the architectural features of the monastery.

The Emerald Buddha, the most important Buddha image in Thailand, is enshrined here and many visitors come to pray.

The Emerald Buddha is carved from a block of jade, and it is the most important Buddha image as Thailand's principal image. The most important ceremony is, His Majesty the King performs the ceremony to change the robes of the Emerald Buddha. This is held three times in a year when seasons change; at the beginning of the hot, the rainy and the cool season.

Tradition says that the Emerald Buddha was discovered in Chiang Rai in 1434 when lightning struck a chedi. It was once stayed in Laos for a while, but Rama I enshrine the image in this temple in 1784.
The appearance 1
The appearance of Wat Phra Kaew.
The appearance 2
The appearance of Wat Phra Kaew. From the side.
Entrance
Beautifully decorated.
Path of the side
This side is also  elaborately decorated.
The appearance 1
The appearance of Wat Phra Kaew.
The appearance 2
The appearance of Wat Phra Kaew. From the side.
Entrance
Beautifully decorated.
Path of the side
This side is also  elaborately decorated.
Garuda
The king of birds called "Garuda", fighting with naga (snake god) with hands and feet.
 Decoration of a wall
Walls are decorated with Buddha images.
Garuda
The king of birds called "Garuda", fighting with naga (snake god) with hands and feet.
 Garudas in line
Many many garudas.
 Garudas in line
Many many garudas.
 Decoration of a wall
Walls are decorated with Buddha images.
 Around 1
The chedi of Prasat Phra Thep Bidon can be seen.
Around 2
A rest place ?
Hmm, because very hot here. :D 
 Bell Tower
A bell tower next to Wat Phra Kaew.
Looks like the bell came from Wat Saket.
 Hor Phra khanthara Rat
I heard that a Buddha image in Gandhara style. (Not so sure)
 Around 1
The chedi of Prasat Phra Thep Bidon can be seen.
Around 2
A rest place ?
Hmm, because very hot here. :D 
 Bell Tower
A bell tower next to Wat Phra Kaew.
Looks like the bell came from Wat Saket.
 Hor Phra khanthara Rat
I heard that a Buddha image in Gandhara style. (Not so sure)

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[Grand Palace] Palaces

These buildings are palaces such as Chakri Maha Prasat and Dusit Maha Prasat.
After seeing the buildings on the upper terrace and Wat Phra Kaew ( Temple of the Emerald Buddha), You'll see this awesome scenery in a few minutes.

 These buildings are palaces such as Chakri Maha Prasat and Dusit Maha Prasat.
Now, let's go ! :D
Borom Phiman Mansion
You'll see this building on the way.
Phra Thinang Amarin Winichai
The main audience hall built in 1785 by Rama I.
This building...
I didn't know what kind of a building but
big and stately.
Soldiers
Marching in 2 lines, wearing uniforms in white and back. Hmmm, Cool !
Borom Phiman Mansion
You'll see this building on the way.
It was not allowed to enter.
Phra Thinang Amarin Winichai
The main audience hall built in 1785 by Rama I.
This building...
I didn't know what kind of a building but
big and stately.
Soldiers
Marching in 2 lines, wearing uniforms in white and back. Hmmm, Cool !
Chakri Maha Prasat and Dusit Maha Prasat
Chakri Maha Prasat on the left hand and Dusit Maha Prasat is in the back on the right.
Chakri Maha Prasat
Built by Rama V (1868-1910) and completed in 1882. Only the reception portion is now used.
Chakri Maha Prasat and Dusit Maha Prasat
Chakri Maha Prasat on the left hand and Dusit Maha Prasat is in the back on the right.
Chakri Maha Prasat
Built by Rama V (1868-1910) and completed in 1882.
Only the reception portion is now used.
Looking up
Looking up the Chakri Maha Prasat
Security guard
He doesn't move at all.
Elephants !
Speaking of Thailand, elephants come.
Decoration
A circle with three swords.
Looking up
Looking up the Chakri Maha Prasat
Security guard
He doesn't move at all.
Tourist take pictures with him, though.
Elephants !
Speaking of Thailand, elephants come.
Decoration
A circle with three swords.
Dusit Maha Prasat
 One of the most elegant examples of traditional Thai architecture of the early Bangkok period.
Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Prasat
Built in the reign of King Ram IV.
This building is for the king to get off a palanquin (carriage) and go to the audience hall.
Dusit Maha Prasat
One of the most elegant examples of traditional Thai architecture of the early Bangkok period.
Two important objects are housed here; One is Phra Ratcha Banlang Pradap Muk,the splendid throne, one of the masterpieces of Thai art.
The other is the Phra Thaen Ratcha Banchathon Pradap Muk, mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden bedstead used by Rama I.
The Hall is used for the annual Coronation Day Ceremony, and it's a custom to place the remains of kings and members of royal family in the hall prior to their cremation following the example of King Rama I.
Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Prasat
Built in the reign of King Ram IV.
This building is for the king to get off a palanquin (carriage) and go to the audience hall.
Other angle 1
From other angle.
Other angle 2
From other angle.
Garuda
The king of birds, Garuda, is fighting with Naga,the king of snakes.
With soldiers
Work hard ! Doing a great job. :D
Other angle 1
From other angle.
Other angle 2
From other angle.
Garuda
The king of birds, Garuda, is fighting with Naga,the king of snakes.
With soldiers
Work hard ! Doing a great job. :D

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[Grand Palace] Guardian gods

Thailand has demon guardians called "Yak". (like a huge demon in a movie in Japan)
Thailand has demon guardians called "Yak".
(like a huge demon in a movie in Japan)

They are designed in a various styles and it looks like no demon is the same.
They must be statures that represent Thailand.

If you go around in Thailand,  you'll see they are protecting not only in the Grand Palace but in the airport and various places, all over the country.
Yak1: on the head
Two other heads on the head.
Yak2: another angle
Looking up from another angle.
Yak2: another angle
Looking up from another angle.
Normal Yak ?
Each of Yaks has only one head.
Scenery with Yaks
Very big compared to people.
Yak1: on the head
Two other heads on the head.
Normal Yak ?
These Yaks have only one head.
Scenery with Yaks
Very big compared to people.
Backside
Backside is also Yak decorated.
Foot
They wear pointed shoes. I like them. :D
Yaks protecting the Phra Mondop

Yaks protecting the Phra Mondop.
Backside
Backside is also Yak decorated.
Foot
They wear pointed shoes. I like them. :D
Kinnari/Kinnara
Creatures with the upper body of a human and the lower part of a lion or bird.
Hmmm, which one ?
Kinnari/Kinnara
Creatures with the upper body of a human and the lower part of a lion or bird.
Hmmm, which one ?
Kinnon
A creature with the upper body of a man and the lower part of a bird.
Apsonsi
A creature with the upper body of a woman (angle) and the lower part of a lion.
Kinnari/Kinnara
Creatures with the upper body of a human and the lower part of a lion or bird.
Hmmm, which one ?
Kinnon
A creature with the upper body of a man and the lower part of a bird.
Apsonsi
A creature with the upper body of a woman (angle) and the lower part of a lion.
Called Krut ?
I thought they are called "Yak" also, but they say those kind of demons are called "Krut". Hmmm...
This demons are my favorite. I love the colors and design.
Called Krut ?
I thought they are called "Yak" also, but they say those kind of demons are called "Krut". Hmmm...
This demons are my favorite. I love the colors and designs.
Supporting 1
Supporting the chedi.
Supporting 2
Supporting the chedi.
Supporting 3
Supporting the chedi.
Supporting 4
Supporting the chedi.
Supporting 1
Supporting the chedi.
Supporting 2
Supporting the chedi.
Supporting 3
Supporting the chedi.
Supporting 4
Supporting the chedi.

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[Grand Palace] Others

Pictures that I noticed in the Grand Palace while walking and seeing around.
Decorations and such.
On the Garuda
Someone stands on the Garuda (the King of birds). Buddha or King ?
Supporting a roof
Peacock or dragon ?
On the Garuda
Someone stands on the Garuda (the King of birds). Buddha or King ?
Supporting a roof
Peacock or dragon ?
Roof
Buddha image as a decoration of a roof.
Wall
Beautifully decorated.
Column
Columns are also elegantly decorated.
Small shrines
A lot of small shrines here and they also are beautifully decorated.
Roof
Buddha image as a decoration of a roof.
Wall
Beautifully decorated.
Column
Columns are also elegantly decorated.
Small shrines
A lot of small shrines here and they also are beautifully decorated.
Paintings 1
Paintings in the galleries surrounding the temple. They are from Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana.
Paintings 2
Splendid paintings that go around endlessly.
Paintings 3
Doors are also decorated with paintings.
Paintings 2
Splendid paintings that go around endlessly.
Paintings 3
Doors are also decorated with paintings.
Paintings 4
Not sure but it shows the explanation of the paintings.
Paintings 5
Looks like the paintings are restored regularly.
Paintings 1
Paintings in the galleries surrounding the temple. They are from Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana.
(The picture above is my favorite)
Paintings 4
Not sure but it shows the explanation of the paintings.
Paintings 5
Looks like the paintings are restored regularly.
Statues in a Chinese style 1
Statues here and there seemed to be influenced by China.

Statues in a Chinese style 1
Statues here and there seemed to be influenced by China.
Statues in a Chinese style 2
Chinese Lion ?
Statues in a Chinese style 3
Soldiers ?
Statues in a Chinese style 2
Chinese Lion ?
Statues in a Chinese style 3
Soldiers ?
(Japanese) bonsai plant
Wow, bonsai ... ?
Canons
Around the exit, a lot of canons can be seen.
Canons
Around the exit, a lot of canons can be seen.
Flower
Are they Dork Khem ?
(Japanese) bonsai plant
Wow, bonsai ... ?
Canons
Around the exit, a lot of canons can be seen.
Tags show they are from England. Not sure all of them, though.
Flower
Are they Dork Khem ?

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