The Buchans 2016: Thailand

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (wat is a temple)

The guide books say ‘take plenty of water’ we took a litre each and still needed more. It was hot, very hot (about 35°C). There was the occasional water point, but not many.
This is a big site with lots to see and you really can’t do it in a day, but at £10 each, which is very expensive for Thailand you do as much as you can.
Construction of this site began in 1782 to mark the founding of the new capital and provide a resting place for the sacred Emerald Buddha and a residence for the king.

The Phra Si Rattana Chedi – contains a piece of Buddha’s breast bone

Huge Ramakien characters

A scene from the Ramakien story –
there are 178 of these panels in all.

Ramakien figures

When visiting all Wats in Thailand shoes have to be removed. At this Wat dress was more strict and so it was best to check what was required before your visit.

The Royal Pantheon

A photo with the guard

Grand Palace – side view

Grand Palace from the front

Dusit Park – behind me is Vimaneck Palace – possibly the world’s largest teak building. It is held together with wooden pegs – no nails here. The palace contains a huge collection of royal artifacts.
I had gone in my shorts, but had to buy this sarong to cover my hairy legs.

A visit to Chinatown was a bit of an eye-opener. Shops and workshops move out onto the pavement so you have to watch your step.

All types and sizes of metal for sale.

Mains electricity is distributed by above ground cables hence many of these spaghetti junctions.

A relaxing drink by the river.

L-R Papaya, Dragon fruit, Mango and Oranges
We had a a lot of papaya and mango for breakfast. Mango is a fiddle to cut up so we resorted to buying it prepacked. Dragon fruit is the product of a cactus plant and has a white flesh with black seeds. I thought it was rather bland.