PHOTOGRAPHY
BANGKOK
A must not miss sight in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace (is a complex both religious and administrative in nature. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Its construction began in 1782.Wat Phra Kaeo is the holiest complex in Thailand and houses the most revered image of the Buddha in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha.
The Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun (Arunratchawararam) on the west side of the Cho Phraya River is one of the most recognizable monuments in Bangkok. It is stunning to see, with its porcelain and colored glass mosaics covering the prangs, rows of figures, sculptures of animals and its dizzyingly steep staircases to the upper two terraces of the 260′ main prang. One is rewarded with marvelous views and the sense of accomplishment for having climbed them…
For his contribution over 25 years in developing the Thai Silk industry, Jim Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, a decoration bestowed upon foreigners for having rendered exceptional service to Thailand.
On Easter Sunday 1967, Jim Thompson went on holiday with friends to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. He set out for a walk in the surrounding jungle but never returned.
His house consists of a complex of six traditional Thai-style houses, teak structures that were purchased from several owners and brought to the present location from various parts of Thailand. Construction of the Thai house was completed in 1959.
There are many reasons for the world’s top hotel awards being presented yearly to the fabled ORIENTAL HOTEL in Bangkok. It is utterly heavenly. An oasis from life and the real world. We have stopped there many times while traveling in Asis. It was established in 1876. In 1958 the Tower wing as built and in 1976 the River Wing was added. It is beautiful, service is sublime and the food is wonderful. The amenities such as the spa, swimming pool, ferry boat across the river, are great. My favorite hotel space anywhere is the Author’s Lounge where tea is a must. These photos cover visits 2007-08-09-10.
Set amid Dusit Park, Vimanmek Palace was constructed in 1900 completely out of teak, and was used as a royal palace for a short time. It was restored and reconstructed in 1992. No nails were used in this largest of all Golden Teak buildings. It is light and airy.
This is a marvelous temple. Also known as “The Marble Temple,” construction on Wat Benchamabophit began in 1899 at the request of King Chulalongkorn. It was the last great temple to be built in Bangkok. Carrara marble clads the walls and courtyard of the main Temple. It is a popular place to witness monastic rituals.
Wat Phra Chetuphon, known as Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok (with an area of 50 rai, 80,000 square metres, almost 20 acres). It is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha images, 46 m (150′) length: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas)