The King & I

The highlight of our tour of Bangkok though was the visit to the royal palace. It was a massive walled complex with the most amazing Thai architecture.  The country is in mourning for the death of King Rama IX, who died last October. Between 20,000-30,000 people arrive each day to pay their respects to the dead king who will lie in state for about 18 months.  They expect over 40 million Thais will visit him before he is cremated.

Charlotte and Cathy had to cover themselves (shoulders and legs) in order 

to enter the palace grounds. Don't they look cute!

These white elephants were in the traffic circle in front of the royal palace

Standing guard over the palace entrance

The palace was surrounded by a very large white wall

Life inside the palace walls

The King has his own temple within the palace

This fierce guard is there to protect the temple from evil spirits

This is where they keep the ashes from cremated monks

Stone carved elephants are there to bring goof luck

Another guard preventing evil spirits from entering the chamber

The architecture and mosaic works were so beautiful

These fierce looking guys were either human or monkey 

and were protecting this structure

Looking beautiful in their local garb

Happy to be seeing this amazing palace

The royal household lived in this building

Thai people going to pay their last respects to the late King Rama IX

The King was lying in state in this building. Only Thai people are allowed to pay respects.