Bangkok, we will usually spend 3- 4 Days there per trip. How to cover the juice of Bangkok in this limited time frame? You must know where are worth going, and what are the points to look out for, for a smooth and beneficial trip!
1) The Grand Palace, Bangkok
When i was planning my trip for BKK, i had already seen a lot of reviews of it. Many had already warned, not to listen to anyone especially the taxi drivers. But i can tell you, they are all so 'united' that be it from the taxi drivers, guards and security of Grand Palace, to the Tuk Tuk driver, they are all in collusion! It's really beyond guard.
Most visitors will arrived at the Grand Palace by Chaophraya Express Boat, Tuk Tuk or Taxi. However, the moment you board the transportation, you have to be caution.
1) They will tell you Grand Palace is not open yet due to whatever reason, will only be opened in the afternoon around 1pm. And will suggest you to go to other temples, palaces first.
Do not take their words Just say no to everything, and asked them to bring you to Grand Palace only.
2) Our very cunning driver did not suggest the above, but when arrived at the Grand Palace, he dropped us at the other end of it, which was far far away from the main entrance. So as to when we are finding our way to the entrance, we will be stop by different people of their collusion!
Always remember this entrance with the most number of people crowding outside it. Although most of their side gates looks the same, none of it has such big crowds.
Can you believe even the guards there will scam you, and in a very sincere way that you thought that they are speaking the truth and are so kind and helpful!
Dress code:
Male- Long pants & Tops with sleeves
Female- Long pants/ skirts & Tops with sleeves
No bermudas, Tank top, singlets.
However, if you happened to be there with the wrong dress code. It's alright, there are many vendors at the entrance renting out their sarongs.
The Sarongs they rented.
After all the hassles we can start our tour in the Grand Palace. It's really warm and crowded, remember your bottle of water to fight against the heat!
Local students having their outdoor sketches of the Grand Palace. Beautiful drawings.
The Grand Palace: Historical place with magnificent architectures.
Admission fee: 400 Baht
Opening hours: 8.30am- 3.30pm
Address: SanamChai Road, Old City, Bangkok
P.s Near by the Grand Palace, there is another temple worth going, which i did not get the chance to visit this time round. It is the Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha. The majestic statue is measured 46 metres long, covered with gold leaf.
Opening: 8am- 5pm Daily.
2) The Erawan Shrine- Four- faced Brahma God
It's very popular amongst both the locals and tourists. Attracting many devotees from around the world everyday.
It's location is among all the tall and established buildings which makes it stands out from the modern architectures around it.
Upon arrival at the Shrine, you will see many vendors outside it selling the necessities for the offerings and prayers. My advise is go straight into the Shrine, there is a stall inside selling them too. Prices are more reasonable there.
Just get a simple set like this for 20 Baht.
Four- faced Buddha, each face representing different aspect of life.
First: Career
Second: Relationship, Marriage
Third: Wealth, Fortune
Forth: Health
第一面求生意.事業( 慈 )
第二面祈愛情.婚姻( 悲 )
第三面盼發財.富貴( 喜 )
第四面保平安.福慧( 捨 )
To start your prayers from the first face from the entrance, going clockwise direction.
The important note here is: You must return for whatever promises you have made to the Buddha, when your prayers were answered.
Address: 494 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
Nearest MRT: Chitlom Station, exit 2.
To be continued... (Where to Shop?)
