Page 213 - DK Eyewitness Travel Guides - The World's Must-See Places

THAILAND 211

Y Decorative Gilt Figures
E n<irding the exterior of the bot are
112 ga!Udas (mythi<al beasts that are halt-
man. half-bird). They are holding nagas
(serpents) and are typi<al of Wat Phra
Kaeo's dazzling de<orative details.

Detail of a panel in the Ramakien Gallery A
Offerings at the bot of the Emerald Buddha >-

gJ Phra
M ondop
{library)
gJ Phra Si Ra ttana Chedi
This <Ontains a piece o f the
Buddha's breastbone.

Upper Detail on Phra Mondop A
terrace
Ramakien figure outside Phra -.,....._,.
Si Rattana Chedi >-

Apsonsi >-
A ffi{thical creature
(half-w oman, half-lion).
Apsonsi is one of the
beautiful gilded figures
on the upper terrace
Cambodia's of Wat Phr a Kaeo.
Angkorwat

Wihan Yot

HIS MAJESTY THE KING'S BIRTHDAY
Pra sat Phra Thep (Royal P antheon)
Built by King Rama IV to house the On December 5, Thais venerate their
Emerald Buddha, the building was king. Buildings a II over Thai I and are
later considered too s mall. decorated, including the Grand
Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo. In the
evening, there are fireworks.