Landmarks Of Bangkok - Palaces

I had always wanted to see and understand the history of Thailand and see the landmarks around Bangkok. I did just that this time around. Got myself a guide and a driver and visited the landmarks of Bangkok, including four temples and two palaces: - Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Wat Benchamabopith (The Marble Temple), Wat Trimitr (The Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (The Temple of Reclining Buddha). The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), and Vimanmek Mansion, the first permanent residence in Dusit Garden, built in 1900 by the royal command of King Rama V.
This photo isn't quite a landmark but kids during morning assembly is always a fun way to start the day.

The Grand Palace has an area of 218,400 sq. metres and is surrounded by walls built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900 metres. Within these walls are situated government offices and the Wat Pra Kaew which is beside the royal residence. These are some photos of the Grand Palace grounds and the outside of the Wat Pra Kaew that is stunning. No photography is allowed inside the Wat Pra Kaew which is understandable as it is stunning and very grand.This is the main prayer area for the Wat Pra Kaew.Unfortunately, no one is allowed to photograph the grounds and the inside of the Vimanmek Mansion which is just gorgeous and loaded with history. Vimanmek Mansion, built in 1900 by the royal command of King Rama V. The mansion was in fact his former Summer Palace, the Munthaturaltanaroj Residence of the Chuthathujrachathan at Koh Sri Chang, Chonburi, that was dismantled and rebuilt under the supervision of HRH Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse. It is also the largest residence in Dusit Garden. The mansion boasts elaborate architectural style that reflect a western influence. The building has two right-angled wings. Each wing is 60 metres long and 20 metres high. It is a three-storey building except for the part where the King resided, which is octagonal and has four-storeys. The ground floor is brick and cement while the upper floors are built of golden teakwood planks. There are altogether 31 exhibition rooms, some of which maintain the atmosphere of the past, especially the bedrooms, the Audience Chamber and the bathrooms. Some rooms house exhibitions of art works, for example, there is a silverware display room, a ceramic display room, a glassware display room and an ivory display room.