If I had to choose between the local attraction or sitting in a local coffee shop (even though I don’t drink coffee) to watch the world go by when traveling, I pick the coffee shop almost every time.

However, the Grand Palace in Bangkok is definitely an exception to the rule. Here is one of the most interesting architectural stops I have ever seen. Needless to say, it is also an incredibly photogenic place, as well. I spent about four hours there just wandering around and taking photos. My favorite is a close-up that required getting right up on the subject. I had a good day with light there, so I just pointed and clicked.

Visitors should know this is a vast place with numerous buildings and monuments, so make sure to plan for a potentially long day to get the most out of the place.

My honorable mentions for the week include one of the main pavilions being held up by distinctively painted life-sized figures that required me to walk in circles around the building in awe. The third shot is on the ride along the river to the Grand Palace and a handful of local monks in deep thought.