Wat Pho...to Essay

Known officially as Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn, Bangkok's Wat Pho is revered as the birthplace of Thai Massage. (Since 1962 the grounds have incorporated a school of traditional medicine and massage.) It is also home to the 46m long statue of the reclining Buddha.

Again I effectively had the place to myself as the army was still behaving in ways unconducive to tourism. There are plenty of monks around though, unlike Wat Phra Keaw.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #53

Joy is BMW...and this was May, so that may be smoke from burning vehicles wafting by in the background!

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #52

Iced latte at The Fabulous, Bangkok

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #51

Thai-style sashimi anyone?

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #50

That gizmo looks familiar...

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #48

Pad Thai in Khao San Road, Bangkok.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #47

Door detail, The Grand Palace, Bangkok.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #46

Trackside view, Bangkok.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #45

The Phra Si Rattana Chedi, Wat Phra Keaw. Supposedly contains a piece of the Buddha's breastbone.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #44

Another scene from the Ramakien on the cloister walls of Wat Phra Keaw, Bangkok.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #43

Detail of exterior temple decoration, Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #42

Royal Palace, Bangkok.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #41

Street curries, Ayutthaya.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #40

Getting into the spirit of Vesak 2010. (Ayutthaya)

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #39

Afternoon siesta, Ayutthaya.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #38

Train ride back to Bangkok, May 22.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #37

O! Hungry, Soi Rambutri, Bangkok.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #36

Statue of Vināyaka, Ayutthaya. (Ganesha in the Hindu tradition.)

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #35

Fearsome beastie, Wat Phra Keaew, Bangkok.

Trip pic of the day: Thailand #34

Well guarded litter bin, Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok.