On one of our final days in Bangkok we visited the Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) which is a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, when he moved the capital across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time. The present King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, however, resides at the Chitralada Palace.
It was pretty mind blowing to see the sheer amount of sumptious wealth and gold around the complex. The Thai people are an amazing bunch of people and adore their king.
Whilst in Chiang Mai we did a day trip up north to see the popular Karen tribe as they're more commonly known.. the long neck tribe. Fantastic to witness in this modern day that a small number of them still continue to wear these extremely heavy rings around their necks. Contrary to what most think, the rings actually force the collar bone lower and lower as more rings are added, rather than supposedly streching their neck.
Lena posing with some of the local Karen tribe...
This is one of the buildings in the Wat Chedi Luang complex. There are heaps of great temples scattered around Chiang Mai that's worth checking out.
This was taken at a traditional northern thai dinner/show which was fantastic! I had no expectations but it was highly recommended by the locals so we went along and thoroughly enjoyed it! The food and entertainment were great!
Lena discovered this bike after the dinner show and insisted on having hopping on.
This was taken early morning when the monks go and collect their alms for the day. The only food they can eat is what they collect that morning and they have until midday to finish, after that they have to wait until the following morning before they can eat again. Good on em but not for me thanks :-)
They sell these things at a bunch of stalls at the famous night market in Chiang Mai. Almost like Christmas decor.. The market is quite something.. during the day it's just a bunch of locked up metal trolleys scattered along the street but as soon as dusk hits, the place comes alive and thousands of people descend on the place to eat, entertain and of course shop shop shop...
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