Bangkok

After our 3 weeks in India we were all happy to return to Bangkok - it felt quiet, organised and clean compared to India! 

We spent a few days visiting the temples and doing some shopping.


Wat Pho is a Buddhist Temple near the Chao Phraya river. It is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and houses the largest Buddha in Thailand. 

The Reclining Buddha is 46m long and is finished in gold leaf.  































The feet are enormous and are decorated with mother of peal which depict many images of Buddha.  



We also travelled across the river by ferry boat to visit Wat Arun - named after the Hindu god of dawn. It is decorated with a mosaic of porcelain tiles, which were left behind by the Chinese merchant ships that used it as ballast.  At 82 m tall it provides a great view of the river and the old section of Bangkok.



































Within the temple complex there are numerous Buddha statues decorating the hallways and courtyards. 






























There is a large alter within the temple next to Wat Arun.  This is an active Buddhist temple - visitors are welcome to enter the temple (keep your feet pointed away from any Buddha image) and enjoy the tranquillity while monks and Buddhist followers make offerings and complete their prayers.
















While we were at Wat Arun we watched the military practice their swan boat procession - in preparation of the prince's visit to the temple later this month.  The procession was absolutely silent and everyone was extremely serious - the royal family in Thailand is highly regarded and respect is evident when it comes to anything Royal.   































The view from the top of Wat Arun shows the Royal Palace on the opposite shore as well as the ferries that constantly shuttle locals and tourists up and down the river.  One of my favourite things to do in Bangkok is to ride on  the Chao Phraya in a river taxi - no traffic jams, no smog and you get to enjoy a cool breeze as you watch all the activity along the river!




Near Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Royal Palace there is a significant military presence.  Even though they are usually holding AK47s the soldiers are extremely friendly.  This man was busy giving his daughter a foot massage while he guarded the temple!  When we took his picture he willing smiled for the camera and the daughter was full of giggles.