AROUND BANGKOK
South west of Bangkok, on the Malay peninsula, lies Cha Am and Hua Hin.
Hua Hin used to be Thailand's first seaside holiday beach resort for both Royal family members and local people: it has a unique railway station which served the Royal family. Cha Am is being developed as a beach resort.
The Royal connection dates from the late 19th century and there are many teakwood residences and summer palaces in the area between Hua Hin and Bangkok. The Vimanmek Royal Mansion, built around 1900 of teak and located in The Dusit Garden, contains much evidence of the early influence of Europe and the western world which took place under King Rama V.
From Cha Am excursions can be made to various attractions, including the Rose Garden cultural centre, which, as for those solely visiting Bangkok, would provide a wider insight into Thai village culture. The colourful floating markets still exist but in many cases they are integrated into more recent warehouse surroundings. The James Bond style water transport to take tourists to the markets has to be experienced !
IN BANGKOK
In Bangkok the Grand Palace is perhaps the most well known, and most venerated complex of buildings in Thailand. It came into being when Bangkok was developed as the centre of administration after the fall of Ayutthaya ( ravaged by the Burmese ).
Surrounded by four walls built around 1783, the palace area is about 218 thousand square metres, and the 1900 metres of wall now encloses groups of buildings including various Royal residences, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, many monuments ( a model of the Ankor Wat temple is here ) and other buildings and galleries. Some of the buildings are still in use for government purposes and ceremonial occasions.
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The Grand Palace .....................................................The palace area at dusk
In the palace area there is no shortage of Buddha images, chedi, intricate carving, art and frescoes, not to mention a good scattering of elephants and fanciful mythological animals. There is enough in and around Bangkok for perhaps two or three days of exploration.