Hello friends,
Last week I had 2 blog friends from europe came visiting Thailand, so I got to show them a little bit my hometown Bangkok. We had only one day and the destination of pride which matches one day trip really well is Temple of the Emerald Bhuddha and the Grand Palace.
We started our late morning at Sathorn Pier that is very easy to access by the skytrain (Saphan Taksin BTS station is just right at the Sathorn Pier). At the pier we can buy a one-day package boat trip that includes unlimited traveling boat trip from 9.00 - 15.30 and English speaking guide on the boat. The price is just 150 baht/person. On the way to Mahanak pier where the Grand Palace is located we can see many interesting places on both banks of Chaophraya river. For example, temple of the dawn as shown on the picture above. It's very old temple and is such a point of attraction in Bangkok. You can see it's printed on a side of our 10 baht coin.
There are many kinds of boat commuting along Chaophraya river. Our boat was a bigger one that I hope... it's more safe and smoother than a long tail one. It's interesting that almost every boat here has some garlands at the front. I have learned that it's for worship of the angel (Mae Ya Nang or Boat nymph) who we believe it protects us from accident.
First when we arrived at the Grand Palace we had to walk past the outer court. Outer court includes the headquarters and information center of the Grand Palace. It's important to dress politely here; short pants or short skirt and sleeveless shirt are not allowed. This part you can rent appropriate clothings, hire a tour guide who can speak your language, and... of course pay entrance fee which is 400 baht for foreigners and free for Thais.
Grand Palace is on a 218,400 sq.meters area on the bank of Chaophraya river at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island. It's devided into several quarters including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the outer court, the middile court where the most important residential and state buildings are located, the inner court that was reserved exclusively for use by the king and his harem of queens and minor wives. The areas that are now open for tourists include outer court, some parts of middle court and temple of the emeral buddha. The Palace had been the official residence of the King of Thailand since 1782. Before the palace was built, this area was occupied by chinese community. Once King Rama I decided to build his city here, he ordered those chinese people to move to an area south to the Palace which become Yaowarat or chinatown nowadays. In 1925, the process of moving all the ministries out of the palace was started because all of them had grown in size and needed there own premises. And the present monarch, King Rama XI currently resides at Chitralada Palace. But the Grand Palace remains it importance as the official and ceremonial place of residence as well as the stage set for elaborate ancient ceremonies of the monarchy.
We began our trip first at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. There is a walkway surrounding the area of the temple. On the wall of the walkway we can see ancient paintings illustrating Ramayana epic,-- a Hindu story about angles, giants, humans that has influenced some buddhist beliefs and ceremonies.
In front of the chapel you can see a statue of the hermit. This one is believed to have healing power. In the past, ones who were sick came to pay respects with fruit, flowers, and candles.
This is Phra Si Ratana Chedi,-- a Srilankan style pagoda built in 19th century period. It contains asches of the Buddha inside. You can see its amazing shiny golden color. It's thousand of tiny golden tiles that create this wonderful appearance.
This is Phra Mondop which is used as a library to keep all the important books related to buddhism.
Kinnara,-- a male mythical creature. Upper part of its body is human but lower part is bird. A female one called Kinnaree.
Do you see those small pagodas lining as a wall for the temple? Those are called 9 towers which were built in the period of King Rama I. The centered one is golden pagoda which represents the sun and eight smaller ones (in the picture you can see 4 small ones and the golden one on the right hand side). Each has different color supposed to denote colors of the eight planet. They believe these give protecting power to the temple.
At the base of the Golden pagoda there are cute colorful giant satues lining around implying they are supporting the pagoda.
We couldn't take picture of the Emerald Buddha inside the chapel. It's not allowed for some reasons that I don't know. But you can search for its numerous amount of pictures on google.
What makes this temple look shiny and beautiful? Again, those colorful small tiles and colored mirrors.
Numerous statues of Garuda are seen around the chapel. This one is also a kind of mythical creatures like Kinnara. He is half Bird half human, too but looks totally different. In the mythology, Garuda and Naga(mythical snake) are enemies. This statue shows Garuda holding tails of Naga and catching the snake's head by his claws.
That day we saw school children having study trip there as well. It made me think of my school period that I came here with my friends. It's good to be back here and brush up my knowledge about Thai history and fine art.
Then we walked into the middle court where many important palaces situated. This one is Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat. It's constructed in a blend of Thai and European (more specifically Renaissance or Italianate) styles. The lower part of the structures is European, while the upper part is in Thai styled green and orange tiles roofs and golden spires or prasats. In the past, the upper and middle floors were State floors; they were divided into several reception rooms, throne rooms and galleries. Nowadays we keep the ashes of Kings (Rama IV to Rama VIII) and their queens here. And the King Rama IX, the present ones, use this building to welcome foreign guests such as Queen Elizabeth II, President Bill Clinton and Pope John Paul II. The lower floor and ground floor was once for servants and the royal guards. Currently it has become a museum displaying old weapons.
This is Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat. The throne hall was built on a symmetrical cruciform plan, the roof is topped with with a tall golden spire. Upon the king's death, the hall was used for his official lying-in-state. It has become a custom that the remains of kings, queens and other high-ranking members of the royal family are to be placed with the hall for an official mourning period.
Just beside Dusit Maha Prasart, there is a small Prasat named Aphorn Phimok Prasat. It's a pavilion built in the period of King Rama IV. It served as a pavilion for the king to get down to palanquin or elephant when he desired to transport outside the palace. You may note that the hight of this pavilion is at the same level of shoulder to make it easy for the king to walk into or out of the royal palanquin.
After an informative tour in the Grand Palace, we took a boat to Phra Arthit Pier to walk a little bit along the river and see old Thai communities. We didn't take many photos because it was a very hot day and the sunlight was very strong. The picture above shows Phra Sumen Fort which was built in the period of King Rama I and has remained for us to see nowadays. If I have another chance to get back there, I will make a review about Phra Arthit area because to me, it's very interesting. Thank you Ani and Willi for your visit and thank you Willi for all the pictures above. I spent most of my time trying to be a good guide so I didn't take enough photos by myself. There are only 4 pictures shown below that I did take them myself.
Thotsakan or Ravana, a giant who has 10 faces
Kinnaree and the Golden Pagoda
Phra Si Ratana Chedi
Thank you Ani and Willi. Hope I can be your guide again.
To those of you who follow my blog, you are welcome to post any comments or questions. Or you can contact me by email provided about at the the section Contact Mai.
That is a must see!! Paul
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