Green Bird, Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
Bangkok's most unmissable attraction is of course the Grand Palace, and most specifically the temple complex of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), famed for it's riot of coloured and gilded ornament, paintings and sculptures; quite simply, so visually stunning there is nothing quite like it anywhere else!
The Palace and Temple complex were begun in 1782, the year the capital was moved to Bangkok, and parts of the palace buildings betray 18th century European influence combined with traditional Thai style, such as the breathtaking gilt spires on the roof. Most of the interiors of the Palace itself are off limits to visitors since, although no longer the main residence of the Thai monarchy, it is frequently used for state functions and ceremonies.
The Wat Phra Kaew complex however is the greatest draw, famed for it's stunning architecture and the famous 'Yaksha' guardian figures that flank all the main entrances to the complex. These towering figures, with their rich colours and tapering crowns, represent demonic characters from the mythological epic the 'Ramakien', and are identifiable as distinct individuals, all here serving a benign, protective role.
The Ramakien is also the subject for a stunning sequence of wall paintings within the cloister that encirlces the entire site, illustrating in minute detail the battles of the heroic monkey warriors, led by the monkey god Hanuman, against the demonic armies and kingdoms of Tosakan.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha itself forms the largest structure and contains the venerated (though small) Buddha image. The complex contains several other iconic buildings clad in sumptuous decor, most notably the library or 'mondop' with it's gilt spire along with the great golden stupa.
The temple complex is technically a royal chapel rather than a working monastery like most Thai temples as it has no resident monks (the sheer volume of visitors leaves little room for anyone else anyway!).
We made two visits here on separate days; our first was with a group and far too rushed, we missed elements we'd wanted to see and the light was poor for photography, so we returned 2 days later with as much time and sunlight as we could want, which was well worth the effort!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phra_Kaew
Green Bird, Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
Bangkok's most unmissable attraction is of course the Grand Palace, and most specifically the temple complex of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), famed for it's riot of coloured and gilded ornament, paintings and sculptures; quite simply, so visually stunning there is nothing quite like it anywhere else!
The Palace and Temple complex were begun in 1782, the year the capital was moved to Bangkok, and parts of the palace buildings betray 18th century European influence combined with traditional Thai style, such as the breathtaking gilt spires on the roof. Most of the interiors of the Palace itself are off limits to visitors since, although no longer the main residence of the Thai monarchy, it is frequently used for state functions and ceremonies.
The Wat Phra Kaew complex however is the greatest draw, famed for it's stunning architecture and the famous 'Yaksha' guardian figures that flank all the main entrances to the complex. These towering figures, with their rich colours and tapering crowns, represent demonic characters from the mythological epic the 'Ramakien', and are identifiable as distinct individuals, all here serving a benign, protective role.
The Ramakien is also the subject for a stunning sequence of wall paintings within the cloister that encirlces the entire site, illustrating in minute detail the battles of the heroic monkey warriors, led by the monkey god Hanuman, against the demonic armies and kingdoms of Tosakan.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha itself forms the largest structure and contains the venerated (though small) Buddha image. The complex contains several other iconic buildings clad in sumptuous decor, most notably the library or 'mondop' with it's gilt spire along with the great golden stupa.
The temple complex is technically a royal chapel rather than a working monastery like most Thai temples as it has no resident monks (the sheer volume of visitors leaves little room for anyone else anyway!).
We made two visits here on separate days; our first was with a group and far too rushed, we missed elements we'd wanted to see and the light was poor for photography, so we returned 2 days later with as much time and sunlight as we could want, which was well worth the effort!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phra_Kaew