Golden Stupa (Chedi)

This is a burial site for a king, and the entire thing is covered with very tiny mosaic mirrors. You can see them if you look closely. Can you just imagine the labor involved to create this? This was erected by King Mongkut - Rama IV, king from 1851-1868. This was the King who started to bring Siam into the modern phase, by establishing relationships with both the United States and with European leaders. While the French, British and Holland were annexing parts of Southeast Asia, Siam was able to remain independent and neutral. He had been a monk for 27 years before becoming the King. He worked towards introducing social improvements, including improving the conditions of slaves and women. He hired European tutors for his children, including Anna Leonowens. It is this king who is immortalized in the fictionalized story/movie "Anna and the King of Siam". Yes, Yul Brenner built this Golden Chedi.