We devoted a full day to explore the temples and famous landmarks of Bangkok. We figured out that the Grand Palace alone will consume much of time so it was our first priority for the day.
The Grand Palace Complex
From our guesthouse, we rode the BTS to Saphan Taksin (S6), Silom Line. Saphan Taksin station is connected to the Sathon pier where we rode the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
A one-way ticket for the tourist boat is 40 Baht (Php 54) per person.
We got off Ta Chang Pier (N9), which is a few meters away from the entrance gate of the Grand Palace Complex.
Note that there is a dress code you should adhere to when entering the Grand Palace Complex. Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops, cropped tops, flipflops are not allowed. However, you can borrow clothes for 200 Baht (Php 272) deposit per item.
The entrance fee is 500 Baht (Php 680) for adults and children.
The temples inside the complex are still used for religious activities, so I totally understand why they were so strict with the dress code.
The designs of the structures were so intricate and beautiful from any angle.
Also located inside the complex is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Photography wasn't allowed inside the temple, we even have to remove our shoes before we enter.
Another breathtaking structure is the Chakri Maha Prasat Hall.
At this point, it started to rain that we hid inside one of the museums for almost an hour. We went for a late lunch outside the Tha Thien Pier (N8) before we went to our next stop.
Wat Pho
Located at the back of the Grand Palace Complex is Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The entrance fee is 100 Baht (Php 136), inclusive of a free bottle of drinking water.
Like at the Temple of Emerald Buddha, you will be required to take your shoes off as you enter to see the Reclining Buddha, but here you will be lent a shoe bag so you can carry your shoes inside the temple.
The Reclining Buddha is 15 meters high and 43 meters long, which makes it a bit difficult to fit in a photo. :P
Behind the Buddha are 108 bronze bowls, where you can drop coins for good fortune. Don't worry if you don't have coins with you, as there is a counter that can exchange your bills to coins.
Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and yes, you can get a massage while inside the complex.
The grounds are more spacious than we expected, it was as charming as the Grand Palace, nevertheless. I even got a photo op with a monk. ;)
Wat Arun
From Wat Pho, we walked back to Tha Thien (N8) Pier to ride a cross-river ferry for 3 Baht (Php 4) to go to Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn. Entrance Fee is 50 Baht (Php 68).
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We decided not to go inside, and just take photos from afar since our legs are too tired to even take the stairs to the temple.
Still, we were rewarded with this view at sunset.
We were supposed to go to another temple, Wat Traimit, but the unexpected delay due to rain didn't allow us. However, it was a day well spent in Bangkok. :)
Note: 1 Baht = 1.36 Pesos
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Opening Hours:
Grand Palace: 8:30AM to 3.30PM
Wat Pho: 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Wat Arun: 8:00AM to 5:30PM
it's been 7 years since I've been to Bangkok (I used to work in Thailand). We also had a sort of Temple Run when we were there and yes, the dress code should be strictly followed. I and my friend brought pants just in case. The details of the temples are amazing. My favorite is still the Wat Pho temple though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me about my Thai days... now I have to read my blog about Thailand again lol
My friend had to borrow pants in the Grand Palace pa since he wore shorts. Thanks for dropping by! :)
DeleteOh my... ! The Temple of Dawn. We didn't go up as well and just stayed at the small store at the side of the temple... and ate ice cream. It was really humid and hot so you know, ICE CREAM beats the heat everytime!
ReplyDeleteWe survived with lots of water. hahaha. :)
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