Bangkok Diaries 2009

Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Ceiling detail

Bangkok city

The Dome at Lebua, State Tower Hotel

Ornate temple roof

The Marble Temple [Wat Benchamabophit] is named after the white Carrara marble (from Italy) of which it is constructed. The name 'Wat Bechamabophit' means : the temple of the fifth king.

The inside walls of the compound are decorated with murals depicting the entire Ramakien,which is Thailand's national epic, derived from the Indian Ramayana epic. The demons wear shoes and the monkeys dont.

Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha [Wat Phra Kaew] This is Thailand's most important and sacred temple

Inside Wat Pho or the Temple of Reclining Buddha.The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.Wat Pho is the one of the largest and oldest wat in Bangkok

The Reclining Buddha's mother-of-pearl feet

Collection boxes similar to that in Hindu temples

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The cloister or so-called gallery is at the rear of the Ubosoth Hall

The beautiful Wat Phra Kaew/ Temple of Emerald Buddha

Decorative exterior of Phra Mondop

The Grand Palace is inspired by European designs, except for the roof

The Grand Palace is used only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence.

Ramayana murals in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Ramayana murals in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Ramayana murals in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The seashells and bits of porcelain used to make the mosaic designs had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China.

Colorful ATMs

Moon bar atop Banyan Tree hotel, 61st floor.

Moon bar atop Banyan Tree hotel, 61st floor.

Mezzaluna Restaurant inside The Dome at Lebua State Tower