I remember still being a bit jet-lagged on day 2 of our Travels in Thailand. On this day, we were still exploring the city of Bangkok and getting used to the sights and sounds that would become expected and familiar in touring this fabulous country. Sites such as elephants roaming the roadways:
And families squooshed on scooters:
On this day, we visited Bangkok’s Grand Palace, one of the City’s most famous landmarks. The palace was built in 1782 and was the home of the Thai King for 150 years.
The palace complex has many buildings inside including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). The Emerald Buddha is carved from a large solid piece of green jadite. This temple does not house any monks, but rather is considered the personal chapel of the royal family. In fact, the robes placed on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by His Majesty The King of Thailand and is part of an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. (I believe they are yellow/gold at this time because of the King’s birthday celebration).
The Grand Palace, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is considered one of Thailand’s most sacred sites and as such visitors must dress appropriately to enter. A form of respect that we were to see throughout Thailand at most of the temples we visited. Here are more photos in The Grand Palace complex:
The endless marble, shining gold, elaborate carvings, colorful tiles and beautiful flowers are seen throughout Thailand, but might be at their most glorious displayed here.
After spending most of day 2 touring the grounds at the Grand Palace, we returned to our hotel to clean-up, cool off, rest and prepare for our evening on the Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise.
This evening cruise excursion included enjoying a beautiful buffet of authentic Thai cuisine while cruising along the river and seeing many of Bangkok’s attractions illuminated at night – including the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
We were also able to enjoy a live band and some fun country-line-dancing entertainment by the crew after the meal.
And that wraps of Day 2 of our tour of Thailand and this “re-visit” post. If you happened to miss it, the Day 1 post is here of our Thailand/Cambodia tour.
Next on this tour, we visit the former second Capital of Siam, Ayutthaya – where we take our first tuk-tuk ride – and then visit the first capital of Siam, Sukhothai both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Stay tuned…..
