As the city is known for its low-priced shopping and heavenly foods, Bangkok also offers various of stunning temples or as what locals say, Wat. Google them and you easily can spot a lot of Wat landmarks on top of your browser: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, etc.
Hop On-Hop Off Boat on Chao Phraya River has become the best and most economical way to explore those Wat, plus the boat covers other landmarks places too like Grand Palace (sort of the Buckingham Palace of Thailand), night market of Asiatique which looks pretty at night with its prominent Ferris Wheel, Khao San Road, Nasional Museum and many others.
It cost THB 150 for one day pass, and THB 50 for one way ticket. During my trip there, I thought buying the one day pass would be more convenient and save money. But, it turned out that I couldn’t stand for Bangkok’s heat and ended up using the boat for two times only in exchange for Grab’s AC-ed car. Well, should’ve bought the one way ticket instead.
Grand Palace
Three words to describe the place: beautiful, hot and crowded.
I see this Palace as the Buckingham of Thailand. The Palace had been the official residence of the ruling monarch from 18th to 20th century. The palace complex itself is huge and adorned by beautiful golden colors everywhere. There is long mural on the corridors which I believe it described the story of Buddha and glimpses of Thailand in the past. The palace also serves as place for praying.
Yet, the beauty of the palace was eclipsed by the heat of midday and packed crowd. Should I visit it on the morning or on the weekday, it would be better. It cost you THB500 to enter the palace complex. The ticket is more expensive among other Wat.
The palace and the Wat strictly prohibit us if we enter without using proper clothes (since those are holy places for Buddhists). I forgot to check what I was going to where there, so I had to buy a pair of trousers from local shop near the Grand Palace.
Heat and crowd couldn’t stop us for taking good photos 🙂
Wat Pho
Located on the south of Grand Palace, this temple is known for the Reclining Buddha. The statue reclines as long as 46m. Compare to the previous Palace, the Wat Pho’s complex is not as big. It also houses a school of Thai medicine including the famous traditional Thai Massage which is still taught and practiced there.
It cost you only THB100 to enter the Wat, plus it includes a cool bottle of water.
The weather on that day was not really good, it was really hot. I managed to enter only two places and see Wat Arun from the outside. From there, I visited the Chatuchak Weekend Market which more of my nature as it sold a lot of Thailand delicacies and unique souvenir 🙂
I will write exclusively for the Foodventure of Bangkok
-R
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