Day 8: Grand Palace Complex

Backpacking South East Asia by the Hand Signs

Day 1: Petronas Twin Towers
Day 2: Genting Highlands
Day 3: Batu Caves + Putrajaya
Day 4: Cu Chi and HCMC tour + Water Puppet Show
Day 5: Apsara Show
Day 6: Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park
Day 7: Sawasdee Bangkok

The highlight of a Thailand visit is to eat an authentic Pad Thai of course to see the Grand Palace complex.

For directions, the map can clearly make you understand your route. It's so easy (and cheap) to get to Grand Palace the Do-It-Yourself way.

ride the BTS from Ratchathewi station (our hotel location) to Saphan Taksin.
take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to get to Ta Chang. that's how simple it is.

Btw, you need to be very careful. Avoid the cab and tuktuk drivers. They'll tell you there's an ongoing holiday or celebration so you can't come. Wag kayo magpauto ha. Madaming scammers sa Bangkok!

Sol, my travel buddy, and I just followed where the people are heading to. And there, we're in front of the gate.

welcome to Grand Palace

Operation: 8:30am-3:30pm
Entrance Fee: 350baht
Attire: Dress Up Properly

where should we go first?

a mythological giant guarding the gate

Sol, my travel buddy

Our eyes explored around and we both agreed that the place is so grand indeed. Every structure, image, and figure are very detailed and obviously well maintained. Super kahanga-hanga.

Wat Phra Kaeo / Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is Thailand's most important and sacred temple, so you're expected to act with due respect inside it. It houses the tiny Emerald Buddha, which is located high above the heads of the worshipers and tourists.

Wat Phra Kaeo / Temple of the Emerald Buddha

two demon figures guarding the gates

gold and glittering protectors

see how detailed these images are done

Im simply impressed.
It's prohibited to take pictures inside. We complied. I really find it disrespectful to walk inside a worship hall.

blue, red, and white = colors of Thailand flag
gold = abundance

Kinnon (mythological creature, half bird, half man) on top

Btw, I found a glittering white structure beside it.

unnamed white structure

Chakri Maha Prasat / the Grand Palace. A complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards.

first glimpse of the grand palace

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall

day 8 of my backpacking SEA trip: Grand Palace Complex
(mukha na kong may karamdaman jan)

a stunning corner view

Very near to Grand Palace Hall is the Dusit Maha Prasat. An audience hall, where affairs of the state were con duct ed and royal ceremonies performed.

Dusit Maha Prasat

I really believe this complex is being cleaned everyday

everything is shiny and well maintained

Temple of the Reclining Buddha / Wat Pho or Wat Phra. Mainly famous for the huge Reclining Buddha. The highly impressive gold plated reclining Buddha is 46m long and 15m high.

huge golden Buddha with its feet

in Nirvana position

a portrait shot

Temple of the Dawn / Wat Arun. Best viewed as the sun sets. You need to cross the river to see this place up close.

the Temple of the Dawn

the guards at Wat Arun

the very steep way up

the detailed temple walls

the battalion

the soloist

the view from top

It's been a hot and tiring day. Dagdag pa yung nakapants ka dahil bawal magshorts.

Luckily, we found this rewarding food in the market.
Told you, this is the highlight of every visit to Thailand.

best tasting pad thai ever

50baht lang. Totoo nga na yung yummiest food in Thailand are just found in the streets.