huge Yaks guard one of the many gates and entrances
inside the palace walls are elaborately painted
a small temple for offerings
The golden tower is the Phra Sri Rattana chedi
Once inside the Grand Palace, we see the wall and golden towers of Wat Phra Kaew
This hero is guarding the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall
The garden in front of the palace is meticulously maintained
chattering monks
Bangkok's origins date back to the 15th century as a trading post, set up by the
then almighty Ayutthaya Kingdom.
In 1782 Bangkok became the capital of the
Rattanakosin Kingdom, and after 1932 of the Kingdom
of Thailand.
The city is a regional power house in finance, trade and manufacturing. The downsides are traffic
congestions and a serious and persistent smog problem.
Bangkok was built on swamplands and presently experiences a
subsistence of 10 to 30 mm per year. As the city hovers only 1 meter above sealevel there are serious concerns over flooding. Some
even talk about relocating the capital to higher grounds.
The city draws many tourists, some of them attracted by the notorious
Red Districts.
From the hotel room we have a nice view over the busy Chao Phraya river
tuk-tuks are the favorite means of transport. They greatly add to the city's smog problem.
restoration work in progress
Monkeys and yaks "carry" a golden chedi
a golden cat woman
