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Places to go in Bangkok
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Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a "must see" and the perfect introduction
to the importance of tradition, Buddhism and the Monarchy in Thai
culture. The compound includes the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, a Royal
chapel, the Collection of Royal Weapons and a small museum containing
artifacts from the Grand Palace. Nowadays the Grand Palace is used
by the King for ceremonial functions only, such as celebrating Coronation
Day. The earliest buildings on the compound date from 1782. The
combination of Royal, Buddhist and traditional Thai architecture
and symbolism combine for a unique experience.
Opening hours: 08:30 - 11:30 and
13:00 - 15:30
Admission: 125 baht
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Description: The oldest Wat (temple)
in Bangkok, Wat Pho is the largest and most stunning / monastery
complex in the city. It is located to the right of the entrance
to the compound. Wat Pho contains a remarkable collection of structures
and objects. It was built in the 16th century by Rama I, during
the Ayutthaya period. The Reclining Buddha is 45 meters long and
15 meters high! The soles of the feet are inlaid with the 108 auspicious
signs of the Buddha.
Open: 08:30 - 17:00
Admission: 10 baht
Wat Arun
Description: The Temple of Dawn
is located across the river from Wat Pho, on the Thonburi side of
the Chao Phraya River. The temple is named after the Indian God
of dawn "Aruna". It appears in all the tourist brochures.
The intricacy of the ceramic inlay is, in a word, stunning. The
notorious Emerald Buddha was originally housed here after being
recaptured from Laos. The easiest way to get to Wat Arun is by way
of long tail boat or river taxi.
Open: 08:30 - 17:30
Admission: 10 baht
National Museum
Description: The National Museum
is made up of a number of buildings, which house antiquities, art
and ethnology exhibits that span the history of Thailand. The oldest
building of the museum was actually built as the palace for the
second king in 1782. Tours are available in English, German &
French and take about two hours.
Open: Open daily except Monday
& Friday 9:00-12:00 & 13:00-14:00
Admission is free on Saturday & Sunday.
Buddhaisawan Chapel
Description: Located on the grounds
of the National Museum Buddhaisawan Chapel was built as a private
wat for the second king (deputy ruler until 1870). As such it contains
some of Thailand's' best preserved and stunning murals. Most murals
depict some aspect of the life of Buddha. The bronze Phra Buddha
Sihing is housed here. It is the second most important image of
its kind in the kingdom.
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When approaching any of the major temples
in Bangkok be aware of being touted by a earnest, well dressed person
telling you that sorry, the temple is closed for the day, it is
the King's birthday or the Queen's birthday or whatever national
day you can imagine. Do Not pay attention and keep
walking. If the temple really is closed (rarely) you'll find out
soon enough.
Oftentimes this is the start of an elaborate scam that still catches
people unaware. The deception goes something like this: After telling
you the temple you intended to visit is closed, he/she will tell
you the name of a small temple that is still open that day and call
a nearby tuk-tuk to take you there (generally a bit off the beaten
track) which the tuk-tuk driver will do. Once you have visited the
temple, the tuk-tuk driver will offer to take you home but would
like you to stop by a gem shop so he can get gas money (he will
tell you you don't have to buy anything). Once in the shop, the
sales clerk will tell you how you can buy gems, export them and
make several times your money in just a few days when you get home!
Nearby, at the counter there will be another individual (often a
westerner) studying a pile of gems who'll casually ask if you've
done this before (he or she's done it several times and it pays
for their holiday!). Well that does it. You're sold but need cash
(no credit cards special price and all) but don't have enough...
No worries, there's an ATM (or gold store) nearby and the friendly
tuk-tuk driver will take you. You pay and agree to have the gems
shipped to your home - it's easier that way... (actually this is
so you won’t have possession and not know you’ve been had).
This is the short version, there are more elaborate schemes employing
more characters for the hesitant. Most people can't connect the
dots or fathom the complexity and/or coincidence of so many people
working together at random. Going to the police is difficult if
you don't remember where the shop is or don't have the 'gems' as
proof. Just beware.
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