THAILAND
This year 2014 I traveled to Thailand again, I have lost count of how many times I've visited this neighboring country. The first time was in 1975. When I first stepped on this country, it found a place in my heart, I love this country. Overall Thailand is economical, very friendly and safe to roam around, they've good culture, histories and most importantly good foods and abundantly. With sheer desire, I will try my very best to share my experiences and knowledge without holding back, that the purpose of creating this blog. The only disadvantage is the language, many of those who do not speak Thai or English will find it hard to communicate. Otherwise is a heaven for tourists. Thailand has 75 provinces. In 1782, the Chakri dynasty was born and King Chakri became the 1st King Rama and Chakri Monarchy succeeded until today and the new capital was founded in Rattanakosin Island and changed the name to Bangkok.
THE GRAND PALACE
BANGKOK
Like any city, the capital has its like and dislike at the same time. It is a robust capital, the last count in 2000 was 6.3 million people. Traffic is heavy but thanks to the implementation of the new MRT and BTS rail systems that make travelling much easier, and Chao Phraya river taxi an added consolation. Bangkok has everything, from shopping, night-life, foods, histories, cultures, and most importantly economical. Hotels and transports are reasonable priced.
Places to Visit
The Grand Palace
This is the No 1 Tourist attraction in Bangkok. The palace began construction in 1782, at the order of King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. In 1925, the king order the Royal Family and the government to move out from the palace and turned it into a museum. One of the most famous and sacred Buddha in Thailand 'Emerald' Buddha is placed in Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram inside the palace.
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Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram
These are the attractions inside the Grand Palace, especially the world renown Jade Buddha.
Model of Angor Wat
This model of Angkor Wat of Cambodia found it place in the Grand Palace, the reason is that the King find it so fascinating that he ordered one of the same kind to be built in the palace for his pleasure. The king has no opportunity to travel to Angkor Wat to enjoy the view as a layman.
Chakri Maha Prasat
A Western designed, built in 1903 by King Rama V. It used to be the official residence for the King Rama V1 and V11 (1925-1935), but now it has turned into Royal Guest House .
APHORN PHIMOK PRASAT PAVILION
The Emerald Buddha
The Emerald Buddha was in fact carved from a block of Jade and was discovered in 1434 in Chiang Rai, it was covered with plaster and believed to be just an ordinary Buddha image. However an abbot found that the plaster from the nose have peeled off and revealed the green stone underneath believed to be Emerald and thus they called it Emerald Buddha but it is Jade.
Tips on Transport to Grand Palace
Two simple ways :-
- Take the MRT to Hualumphong Train Station and hop on to a Samlor (Tuktuk) or Taxi, 2015 cost about Bht60.
- Take BTS to Saphan Taksin (pier) follow the sign to the pier 'orange flag' waiting area and hop on to the water taxi to Tha Chiang Pier.
- If you stay in Kao San area, you can just walk to the palace about 11/2 Km only.
Aware :
There are many touts around the pier and they will try to sell you all sort of touring package ignore them. At the entrance of the Grand Palace do not listen or follow the touts. Just enter the main door, walk down the main pathway you will come to the ticket counter.
Tips
Keep your ticket for visiting 4 others attraction, namely :- Queen Sirikit Silk Museum, Royal Decorations and Coin Museum (8.30 am - 4.00 pm) inside the palace, Vimanmek Mansion Museum (9.30 am - 4.00 pm everyday). Arts of the Kingdom Exhibition. (10.00 am - 5.00 pm close Monday, Songkran, New Year). Tickets are valid for 7 days only upon purchase.
All visitors are advise to wear decently, Short Skirt, Sleeveless Blouse, Bare Back, Short Pants, Singlet are not allowed to enter but you can borrow with a THB200 deposit.
http://www.palaces.thai.net
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Wat Arun (Temple Of Dawn)
This is one of the oldest and grand Temple in Bangkok. It is best visit during New Year Eve in the evening where they light up the Temple which looks very grand and beautiful. If you visit the Grand Palace from the exit door turn left and walk straight down the road about 1Km then cross the road to the Ta Thien Pier from here take the water taxi cost 20 Bht. to across the river. Beside Wat Arun there is a Reclining Buddha just in front of Ta Thien Pier.(need to pay entrance fees).
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramaha wihan
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This temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, was built in early nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II. The main attraction of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower) which is encrusted with broken pieces of glass and colorful porcelain. You can see the decoration of demons, monkeys, Chinese soldiers, animals and Buddhist iconography. The height is about 80 M. and one can hike up to the center point which give you a good view of Bangkok sky line.
Tips
There are buses ply the route back to the city center, at the main road of the Grand Palace entrance, bus no 1 will take you to Chinatown cost BHT8.
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