Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of The Emerald Buddha)

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of The Emerald Buddha)                     

The Grand Palance "Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang"

Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram "Wat Phra Kaew"

Inside the Grand Place lies Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadarm (Wat Phra Kaew)

It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist Temple in Thailand, Known for the Emerald Buddha
(Phra Kaeo Morakot) in the temple that was brought in from Vientiane city.  It was initially enshrined
during the reign of King Rama I and is still in its present location today in the current reign of
King Rama IX.

The walls of the temple have beautiful murals depicting the life of Buddha.

Location :  within the Grand Palace compound on Naphralan Road near Sanam Luang
Opening hours :  8.30 a.m. to 12.00 and 13.00 to 15.30 p.m.

Credit :  wikipedia.org

The History of Khao San Road ถนนข้าวสาร

THE HISTORY OF KHAO SAN ROAD, Bangkok, Thailand        

Khao San Road was built in the year 1892 during the reign of King Rama the 5th after a suggestion from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning. A plan was drafted that a road would be paved from across the Chanasongkram Temple eastwards, over a canal, intersecting with Fuemg Nakorn Road.  King Rama the 5th graciously bestowed the nam e" KHAO SAN LANE"

From the era of King Rama the 6th, the road was Phra Nakorn District's center for rice trade Shipments of rice would be transported from the royal barn along the Lod Canal up the Chao Phraya River to be commodity due to the location's roximity to the main river.  Originally named Khao San Lane due to its narrow width, but was later renamed Khao San Road.

A small community slowly develped around the area, giving way to other products being sold in the market.  The arrival of foreign tourists did not occur until 1982, which was the year Bangkok celebrated its 200th birthday anniversary.  The yer saw a significant influx of foreigners who came to take in the sights and sounds of Thailand's capital.  The tourists were soon followed by members of the film industry in Hollywood and their production crews.

A demand for low cost accommodations in the area prompte locals to open up their homes to establish make-shift "guest houses" The period of 1985-1986 saw the start of what is now called the "Backpacker Capital of Thailand", which has become world renowned.