Thailand 2014 Day 6b

Thailand 2014 Day7a

Thailand 2014 Day7b

Thailand Day 10b

Thailand Day

For a close-up view of a section of the above, CLICK HERE

For a close-up view of a section of the above, CLICK HERE

There is a ring of these yak warriors holding up this stupa of gold

Each has a unique coloring and costume ornamentation.

We saw many of these odd creature statues placed about the compound. Some appear to be half lion, some half bird. CLICK HERE for close-up

This one is half human half bird

This SINGHA with baby lion protects the entryway. There are many of these.

Above is a view of the golden stupa with the warriors around the base, and a temple behind it.

Note the two huge Yak warriors guarding the entrance. See close-up of the Yak on the left - CLICK HERE

This is the Borom Phiman mansion built in 1903 in Western European style by King Rama V. It was used as a residence for the kings until recently, and is now used as a Royal Guest house for visiting heads of state. This is in the same compound as all the ornately Siam-decorated temples and other buildings.

This is an example of a history mural, with the key elements painted in gold paint. There are hundreds of these throughout the compound, and one building has full walls of these murals telling the story of ancient Siam.

This ornate entryway within the fortress takes you from one set of temples and buildings to another. There is an interesting contrast between the architectural style of this entryway, the walls around it, and the building behind, which is a mixture of Western European from the late 19th century capped with a Siamese style rooftop.

This is the Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1882. It is currently used for receptions of Foreign dignitaries.