Bangkok cycling tour (Part 2)

Posted by admin on May 2nd, 2009 filed in Day trips, Sightseeing, Temples

The Hong Si Khiew – the green room – features an old piano of mahogany with ivory keys. A third-floor octagonal hall above is where Rama V and his wives lived. The king’s living room boasts an old piano-shaped desk and a bookshelf. The bathroom – Siam’s most modern at the time – had no water pumped in, but there is a separate bathtub and copper shower.

On another floor is an audience hall that is filled with sparkling glassware from Poland, Germany and Czechoslovakia. The bicycle parade pedalled next to the Thai Press Museum, which is housed in the Press Association of Thailand Building. Especially interesting is the French newspaper that carried reports of the king’s travels throughout Europe.  More on Thai history

King Rama V

At the 17th century Church of the Immaculate Conception in the Samsen district – the nation’s oldest church – is a brilliant stained-glass mural. It deprives the lives of Jesus Christ and other holy individuals. Also displayed is a wooden sculpture of Cambodia’s revered Mother of Health.

The fascinating outing ended at Wat Rajathiwaswihan, which was constructed in 1276, during the early Ayutthaya period. Inside the ubosot are a mural by Italian artist Rigolee, relating the tale of the 10th bodhisattva and a sacred golden Buddha image called Phra Niruntrarai.

Btw! If you’re a cyclist coming out here as group and want to have your own special bike shirts made I can recommend a local company CCN Sportswear for cheap good quality biking apparel.