On our second day in Bangkok, we went to The Grand Palace. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including the Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It was my second time going there, but it was still just as exciting. I love doing touristy things and anything that could give me an authentic feel of a city.

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and is undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. The palace used to be the home of the king, his court, and the entire administrative seat of government. However, during the twentieth century, they stopped living in the palace but the complex remains the seat of power of the Thai kingdom.

In Thailand, it is very common to see monks in saffron-colored robes.

As a former fine arts student, I was blown away by the intricacy of the structures. I couldn’t help but admire the fine points every time I passed by! A mixture of Thai, Chinese and Western style architecture will be seen, which is remarkable.

We did one one of the Buddhist practices – blessing of the head with wet lotus flowers!

Typical scenario outside The Grand Palace. Doing a similar job to the taxi is the ever-present tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled motorized vehicle.

Our next stop was Wat Pho. It was also my second time to visit the temple. It is well-known for the huge, gold plated Reclining Buddha statue it houses, which is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. Can you imagine that?! His eyes and foot soles are inlaid with mother-of-pearl too. How grand!

Lovely mural hall paintings! Traditional art at its best.