Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. It is consider to be a major regional player in finance and business, an international hub for transportation and healthcare and an emerging regional center for arts, fashion and entertainment. It has a vibrant street life, historical cultural landmarks, as well as notorious red light districts,  giving it an exotic appeal. It is the world's third top tourist destination after London and Paris and was named "World's Best City" for three consecutive years by Travel and Leisure magazine.

Bangkok sits on the Chao Phraya River delta. The river meanders through the city and with its many canals the river as a major mode of transportation to get around the city. We were very intrigued by the waterbuses and taxis (longtail) on the river. 

water bus

inside the water bus

long tail taxi with huge engine 

Chao Phraya River

We arrived mid day on Friday afternoon and immediately went to the Grand Palace and the famed Wat Phra Kaew. In the heart of Bangkok it is made up of a series of buildings, halls, pavilions, gardens and courtyards. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam (Siam the old name for Thailand)since 1782. The current monarch now resides elsewhere.

grounds of the Grand Palace

click to enlarge

inlaid stone and gold murals in the inner court walls, there were dozens like this 

ME in action

my little camera could not capture the beauty 

In the palace is the Wat Phar Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is the most sacred temple in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is 26" tall and carved from a single jade stone. It has a rich history with origins from India, records of being in Cambodia in the 15th century, Laos in the 16th century and final returned to Thailand in the 18th century.

The Emerald Buddha

Also in the palace is Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit  and her husband have been the head of state in Thailand since 1946. The  Queen was very active in promoting Thai textiles. From the 60's to today, dresses from the queen's personal  collection  are on display. She often traveled abroad to promote traditional Thai textiles. Her elegant wardrobes pushed her to the top of the International Best Dressed List in 1965 which helped revive the interest in Thai textiles and silk. Here is Me and I trying on traditional Thai outfits at the museum. 

ME and I in Thai dress

Chatuchak Weekend Market is the ultimate in shopping experiences. Covering 35 acres with upwards to 5000 stalls it is the largest market in Thailand. It has a huge variety of products from household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious items, collectibles and of course food.  After spending several hours wondering around we had to stop and get a foot and shoulder message at one of the stalls.

giving our feet a treat

over 5000 stalls 

click on to enlarge

taking a break, ME with fresh coconut water and out waiter

Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok and home to more than one thousand Buddha images. It is also home to the largest Buddha image the Reclining Buddha at 160 ft in length. The temple consists of a working monastery and school. There is an inner courtyard surrounding the main temple which is lined with hundreds of these Buddha images.

a big Buddha

over 800 lined the inner courtyard

beautiful views at every turn