The most widely visited parts of Bangkok are its oldest quarters, beginning especially with the region at its center (dating from the 1780s). The royal Grand Palace, with its associated Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), is admired for its well-maintained 19th-century architecture. Nearby are many of the city's oldest and most venerable Buddhist temples ( wat), including especially Wat Pho (officially Wat Phra Chetuphon), home of a massive statue of the reclining Buddha. Also nearby is the enormous open field (Sanam Luang) where special royal ceremonies are held, including the cremations of royalty and the annual Ploughing Ceremony, which inaugurates the rice-planting season.
A wide, tree-lined boulevard, flanked with government buildings, runs northeast from the inner royal island to the old throne hall, now the seat of the national legislature. Nearby is Dusit Park, Dusit Zoo, and the spacious Chitladda Palace in which the king and his family reside.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Bangkok Information info
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