803. Bangkok Part 9 | Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha

My favourite attraction of Bangkok so far is the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (aka Wat Phra Kaew). It is probably the most popular attraction of the city and for good reason. It's a large complex full of opulently designed temples and structures. In person it all looks so beautiful and grand, and it was amazing to be able to walk around without any crowds! Due to COVID, all the places we visited so far have been void of tourists. At the temples there are usually a few locals but not many. In terms of foreign tourists, I think there's usually 1-2 others at each site. Normally these places would be packed and with line ups. It is very sad the impact of COVID on the tourism industry here in Thailand (in normal times they receive ~100,000 foreign visitors per day!). I hope things improve for them soon though I'm also enjoying our travel experience now without the crowds.

I don't think I've ever visited a temple in this style before. I really enjoyed it and kept taking photos nonstop. I think I took about 200 phoots there, but now I managed to narrow it down to a mere 25 for this post lol.

BTW - we have to dress more covered up here (with pants) so that's why I'm in elephant pants lol. I feel like such a tourist in them. Even though everyone still thinks I'm a local Thai.

One of my favourite features from these temples are these guardians that stand at entrances. They are HUGE!

In the heart of the complex is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is the most sacred Buddhist temple of Thailand. Photos are not allowed inside.

Lots of Bonsai trees everywhere. The gardening tools are so cute. The gardener has such a serene job.



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