Bangkok was hot and dry as the desert. The Government did a great job protecting the city from flood and despite the flood scare, clearance at Immigration took more than an hour - normal by Bangkok airport standard. This shows how many people are still travelling to Bangkok for holidays. Top hotels are booked full in advance and despite the flood scare, it's still was a very busy city.
We all had a great time in Bangkok. This was my 9th or 10th trip and I have another trip back to Bangkok again early next year. I have always travelled for business and with friends, so this time was the first for the whole family and we had so much fun. It was a great shopping (for the children) and eating trip! I am posting on the Grand Palace this round, my 4th trip this time, but still loving it. Here's sharing the photos:
Instead of taking a local tour, we booked a MPV for the whole family. It's cheaper and allowed us to travel to places we wanted only and at our own pace. Took a photo of their local taxi from the MPV...you'll see lots of this pink taxis everywhere. Tip: when in Bangkok, ensure that you take a taxi with meter, otherwise, you are at the mercy of the taxi driver and they charge 20 times more than the metered fare.
The Grand Palace is a must visit place for all travelling to Bangkok. It used to be the King's palace and it's always fun to be there..I find those architecture absolutely stunning.
The Phra Sri Rattana Chedi, a chedi or spire is supposed to contain religious Buddist artifact, also most photographed chedi by all visitors.
Mythical golden figures everywhere within the Grand Palace.
Close up!
A miniature Angkor Wat! I am planning to go to Siem Reap again next year to see the real Angkor. I overheard a guide explaining that the previous Thai King was so impressed with Angkor when he visited then, that he built this Grand Palace and lived here, a long time ago.
Another building in the Palace, love this one in blue! Look at all the details.
Another Chedi. There are plenty of information about the Grand Palace, so if you are interested, please read them online.
Let's see some details, isn't it amazing :)
At another entrance. You'll find similar figures at the airport as well and it's almost as huge as this!
More close up on the details..
There are many buildings within the Palace, each for a specific purpose.
Even the paintings on the walls were elaborate.
Some part of the ceilings which were hand painted.
Other shots within the Palace.
Finally, the most sacred place in Bangkok and probably Thailand. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew, read more here. In the past, you can get up close within the temple but photos allowed inside. This time, there were so many people praying so the temple was closed.
Hope you have enjoyed the tour, still more to post about Bangkok and now I have so many people to visit.
Cheers and have a great weekend....
So many wonderful pictures! I am dreaming of visiting Angkor Wat someday. Thank you, I am also happy to have you as my friend. You asked about the temperature. This winter so far has been really "warm" We have +4c now and no snow. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs
ReplyDeletelong time no hear.
ReplyDeleteAren't we lucky to have cheap labout from India and bangladesh. Here in Auckland, no such luck. Now I have an Ang Mo man who cahrges 30 for every fortnight, and I bargain $45 for 3 weeks. Last time, the old house, the landlord pays, and these handsome African guys come.
Thanks for the photo tour. I'm always so amazed at the sculptures and architecture. So much detail in each piece.
ReplyDeleteGlad you went and happy you stayed dry.
Darla
So pleased you had a great and dry trip. Your photos are spectacular, the only place in Thailand that I have been to is Phuket and I am sure there is NO comparison much as I loved it there. Take care Diane
ReplyDeleteThailand is a great destination. Wonderful pictures of The Grand Palace. Surely a hit with tourists tho I have not visited. Glad you and the family enjoyed yourselves.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see you back, M. Kate! I missed you so much.
ReplyDeleteYou had such a great trip, didn't you? This palace is simply awesome! Sooner or late I'll visit this part of the world (or at least I hope I will!)
Hugs:)
Joo
Thanks for the virtual tour, M.Kate! So glad you had a safe and fun trip :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I am still playing catch up after the olive harvest! There was certainly lots to read and enjoy here, especially as guess where we were last month, yes Bangkok! Your photos are wonderful reminders of the fantastic time we had, although unlike you we did get our feet wet a couple of times when the flooding breached the defences in the city during high tides.
ReplyDeleteSo glad all went well, M.Kate... and that you were able to come back with so many dazzling images too... All the gold beguiles--WOW! :o) Happy Days ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteThese photos are awesome! My last trip to Bangkok itself was 1992...I miss Bangkok!! It's so good that you brought me back to that place. Since I'm just waiting to give birth to baby #3, I will just have to daydream about Bangkok, with the help of your site!
ReplyDeletewow absolutely stunning photos Would love to go there one day. I can see you had a great time
ReplyDeleteHi M. Kate! Sorry for the absence, but there was a small accident around here...
ReplyDeleteI love this palace, and your pictures are awesome!!
Blogtrotter Two is spending a day at sea. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!
It looks so exotic and beautiful in Bangkok. I'd love to visit it one day.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you blogging, M Kate! I always enjoy your posts.
wow, a beautiful documentation of your trip! and nice that your family could enjoy it with you. I love the pink taxi
ReplyDeletethanks for visiting me too
~laura xx
Your pictures are beautiful - Bangkok looks so amazing. I'd love to go visit
ReplyDeletevery enjoyable tour, indeed. thank you. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow! That was quite the tour M! If I visit will you come along and be my tour guide? How fun that would be! Hope you're going well! xo
ReplyDeleteFunny these pink taxies:) this is actually a first place when I see that they are in such a color
ReplyDeleteI love the statues-so detailed work!
Mary Kate, Where in the world have you been? I have missed you too!! The architecture in Thailand is absolutely amazing. I am glad you got to make your trip and are back home safe and sound. Thanks for sharing such amazing photos with us. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat incredible pictures M. Kate! The detail & all of that inlay of the stones are beautiful - especially love that blue - gorgeous! When I see work like this, I often wonder of all of the artisans who put their time into such a beautiful thing.....amazing! I don't think I could really get enough of all of that architecture!
ReplyDeleteOh MK..the pictures are always so beautiful..I can't believe the art work..breathtaking..Glad you had a wonderful trip..Sorry to hear about your operation..but happy you are home and enjoying everyone..Sending you love and get well wishes..
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
What gorgeous exotic images. I've really enjoyed this tour, thank you.
ReplyDeleteWow - looks just fantastic! :-)
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos with stunning detail! What a place
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful colour combinations! Yes the detailing is so fantastic. I can't get over how many years some of the pieces must have taken to make.
ReplyDeletei was meant to go to bkk towards the end of oct but canceled the trip due to the flood. so nice to look through these pics and be reminded of good ol' siam. i wanna go shopping...!! :'(
ReplyDeleteMe again to wish you and your family beautiful, happy and prosperous New Year!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing new posts here:)
Hugs
Joo
Great post of a beautiful country and people. Happy New Year 2012 to you and family!
ReplyDeleteThe luxury is impressive. Best wishes for an abundant and happy new year.
ReplyDelete