Wat Phra Kaeo

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is revered as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The temple is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace at the historic center of Bangkok, and it is a highly important site to the Thai national identity. The Emerald Buddha itself is a 26-inch-high statue hewn from a single piece of deep-green jade stone, and no one but the Thai King is allowed to touch it. Visit the shrine to understand an intimate piece of Thai culture, but be sure to exercise the utmost respect!

I agree. Pictures do not do this temple justice. It must be experienced.

The Summer Palace, still used by the royal family, includes a variety of architectural styles. This observatory was built for Rama IV, who adored astronomy. The Chinese house can be seen in the distance. The Thai, always accepting and pragmatic when it comes to foreigners, were the only people in Southeast Asia to avoid colonial rule.

The Emerald Buddha may be the main attraction at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, but I was awestruck by the general grandeur of the grounds. The gold leaf, gems, and giants are something to behold.