These are the grounds of the former royal residence. It is used today by the King for ceremonies only.

This is one of many Buddhas where people make offerings and place gold leaf on the Buddhas for worship and good luck.

This is near the temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is kept up high in the main chapel (where no cameras are allowed). It is a beautifully carved Buddha from a solid piece of Jasper. It was actually hidden inside a layer of stucco when it was transported from Northern Thailand. Prior to that, it was taken by Laos forces and brought to Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

The Emerald Buddha is brought down three times/year to “change” its seasonal clothing: hot, dry and rainy. Each costume is made of gold and was donated by a prior King Rama.

This is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok dating back to the 16th Century. It is famous for this reclining Buddha.

The reclining Buddha is 46m long & 15 meters high. The feet have mother of pearl inlay and depict 108 different auspicious characteristics of Buddha (laksana).

There are different types/positions of Buddha for each day of the week (e.g. reclining, standing, etc.). One is supposed to honour and make offerings to the Buddha that correlates to the day of the week that you are born on. There are books and charts to assist you to find out this information. Janet and Rick are both Saturday babies and this is their “Snake Buddha” which represents ‘the protector”.

At Wat Pho one can take a course or have a traditional Thai massage. These are anatomical pressure points that are etched in stone.

We opted for an hour long herbal variety. After a full 60 minutes of being pushed, pulled, twisted and pounded with a steaming herbal wrap we felt like we had been through 12 rounds in a boxing ring! It did manage to exhume all of our toxins though, as we both came down with colds in the next few days!

This is the world's largest golden teak building. It is early 20th Century and octagonal. It was built by & lived in by King Rama V.

On the grounds of Vimanmek Teak Mansion there is a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre where the King was entertained and entertained guests in typical Thai custom. We likewise graciously shared this custom!

It is not unique to see many temples near street corners, shopping malls or office buildings where offerings are regularly made. These include various forms of food & drink, flowers, etc.

This magnificent figure was once covered in stucco and stored away (probably to hide it from invaders). Upon transport, it fell. The stucco cracked and revealed the hidden treasure inside.

It is presently housed in Chinatown.

In Bangkok there are street vendors; hawker stalls; and inside & outside food courts abound. One can find all kinds of fresh food including cut ready-to-eat fruit, meat, chicken, corn on the cob, niblets in a styrofoam cup, and of course fish balls!

These colourful Akha women make it difficult to resist purchasing their crafts. Ask Rick to see his bracelet!

Bangkok has a multifaceted transport system that is busy and loud day & night! It certainly seemed that motorcycles and scooters were first off the mark at the traffic lights and otherwise it was "whoever has the LOUDEST horn goes first!"