In the same area as Wat Pho is the Grand Palace this is where the king used to live, it was very crowded and very hot here. It is surrounded by a very long white wall which unfortunately and typically we approached from the wrong end so had a very long walk just to get in. As we walked, once again we had people trying to stop us, I am not sure what their reason was this time, or what scam they were trying to pull as we have learnt just to ignore them. In fact as you walk along there are loud tannoy messages telling you to ignore anybody who tries to delay you from entering.
Once inside you are met with very impressive buildings and temples which again have lots of intricate detail and craftmanship. Which although we appreciated, we much preferred Wat Pho.
Can you see all the heads on this snake, first of all I thought it was feet with claws?
The Monastery of the Emerald Buddha is within the grounds of the Royal Palace , photographs are not allowed in this building, but it was lovely to see, it it quite small as Buddhas go, but is displayed on a very high, golden platform. The Emerald Buddha is actually made of jade and was first discovered in Chang Rai in 1434. At that time it was covered in plaster but an abbot noticed a green bit through a part which had chipped off. The abbot thought the green was emerald not jade and that is how it got its name.
Whether it was because we were hot and tired, I don't know but we didn't spend long in the palace compared to Wat Pho and yet the place was 5 times dearer.
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