After another late get-together last night with Rene's colleagues and some friends at AIT, we had difficulty waking up early for a trip to Bangkok to explore the Grand Palace. We were invited by Mae over the phone to eat breakfast at her place and to serve as a sort of "despedida" for Hertz as he is the first one to leave for Manila.
We left AIT around 10am and just took a taxi to get straight to the Grand Palace. Rene and I were already half-asleep when the driver asked us if we are to pass the highway. We got confused with his question because we are already in the highway and we just said yes. It just occurred to us later that what he meant was using the skyway where we had to pay toll fees. That was a big mistake. It cost us THB95 for the toll alone (we passed 2 tollgates and paid 55 and 40 respectively). That is in addition to our taxi fare which cost us THB320.
Democracy Monument on our way to the Grand Palace
We reached the main entrance at Na Phra Lan Road (2 days ago we went to the gate at Ratchadamnoen Ave. in which we were told is closed maybe because it is indeed not for entry) and lined up immediately at the long line we saw. But this was not actually the line for the ticket but for those who need to cover up due to the strict dress code. It's a good thing I asked a staff if the line was for the ticket. At the same time I asked him if my attire is acceptable. They have a red line indicator for your pants/skirts which should be at the red line or lower. Fortunately my pants' length was exactly at the red line. I noticed though that they accept people wearing sandals although I wore closed shoes just to be sure.
The ticket counter was still way inside the gate. Entrance fee is THB300 which includes entry into other museums such as the Vimanmek mansion (valid within 7 days) although we were not able to visit this.
On the way to the ticket counter and main entrance
The palace is indeed Grand. As Mae put it, it is difficult to capture an image of the Grand Palace that will show justice to its beauty. From my pictures alone I am disappointed that I was not able to capture its vibrant colors and intricate design. There is so much to see here but the heat will take its toll on you.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
... (right) Phra Sri Ratana chedi
Phra Mondop, the library
Entrance to Phra Mondop
Kinnorn, mythological creature, half-bird, half-man and another marble mythological beast
"Yaksa Tavarnbal" or Gate-keeping Giants at each gate of the Balcony, characters taken from the Ramayana epic
A model of the Angkor Wat built under the order of King Rama IV when Cambodia was under Siamese control, later recreated in plaster by King Rama V to celebrate the 1st centenary of the Royal City
Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn, also known as the Royal Pantheon... Main building is the central Ubusot (ordination hall) which houses the Emerald Buddha carved from a single block of jade, the most important icon for the Thai people
Chedi found at each side of the Royal Pantheon... Statues found at its base
The Balcony with a mural of the entire Ramayana epic and the columns with stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals
Phra Thinang Boromphiman, which serves as a guest house for visiting royalty and heads of state
Road leading to the Maha Monthien buildings
Phra Thinang Amarin Winichai (Main Audience hall)
Side gate to Phra Thinang Amarin Winichai with stone guards at each side
Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, a mix of European style architecture with Siamese stepped roofs and spires. It is used today for official functions such as a reception for foreign ambassadors
Dusit Maha Prasat (center left), an audience hall built by Rama 1 in 1789
Some marching soldier guards by the exit
After spending around 2 hours here, we decided to go home already as it was tiring to walk under the sun.
We left AIT around 10am and just took a taxi to get straight to the Grand Palace. Rene and I were already half-asleep when the driver asked us if we are to pass the highway. We got confused with his question because we are already in the highway and we just said yes. It just occurred to us later that what he meant was using the skyway where we had to pay toll fees. That was a big mistake. It cost us THB95 for the toll alone (we passed 2 tollgates and paid 55 and 40 respectively). That is in addition to our taxi fare which cost us THB320.
Democracy Monument on our way to the Grand Palace
We reached the main entrance at Na Phra Lan Road (2 days ago we went to the gate at Ratchadamnoen Ave. in which we were told is closed maybe because it is indeed not for entry) and lined up immediately at the long line we saw. But this was not actually the line for the ticket but for those who need to cover up due to the strict dress code. It's a good thing I asked a staff if the line was for the ticket. At the same time I asked him if my attire is acceptable. They have a red line indicator for your pants/skirts which should be at the red line or lower. Fortunately my pants' length was exactly at the red line. I noticed though that they accept people wearing sandals although I wore closed shoes just to be sure.
The ticket counter was still way inside the gate. Entrance fee is THB300 which includes entry into other museums such as the Vimanmek mansion (valid within 7 days) although we were not able to visit this.
On the way to the ticket counter and main entrance
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
... (right) Phra Sri Ratana chedi
Phra Mondop, the library
Entrance to Phra Mondop
Kinnorn, mythological creature, half-bird, half-man and another marble mythological beast
"Yaksa Tavarnbal" or Gate-keeping Giants at each gate of the Balcony, characters taken from the Ramayana epic
A model of the Angkor Wat built under the order of King Rama IV when Cambodia was under Siamese control, later recreated in plaster by King Rama V to celebrate the 1st centenary of the Royal City
Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn, also known as the Royal Pantheon... Main building is the central Ubusot (ordination hall) which houses the Emerald Buddha carved from a single block of jade, the most important icon for the Thai people
Chedi found at each side of the Royal Pantheon... Statues found at its base
I noticed that only a few people took notice of the paintings on the wall surrounding the complex. I also chanced upon it while trying to stay in the shade (to cool off) since this area is covered.
The Balcony with a mural of the entire Ramayana epic and the columns with stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals
Upon exiting the temple complex, we saw the next section of buildings used for Royal functions which are collectively called Maha Monthien (High Residence).
Phra Thinang Boromphiman, which serves as a guest house for visiting royalty and heads of state
Road leading to the Maha Monthien buildings
Phra Thinang Amarin Winichai (Main Audience hall)
Side gate to Phra Thinang Amarin Winichai with stone guards at each side
Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, a mix of European style architecture with Siamese stepped roofs and spires. It is used today for official functions such as a reception for foreign ambassadors
Dusit Maha Prasat (center left), an audience hall built by Rama 1 in 1789
Some marching soldier guards by the exit
After spending around 2 hours here, we decided to go home already as it was tiring to walk under the sun.
Related Entries:
Welcome to Bangkok! (7/15/2008)
Day 2 in Thailand (7/16/2008)
Day 3 in Thailand: Shopping galore! (7/17/2008)
Day 4 in Thailand: Grand Palace (7/18/2008, part 1 of 2)
Day 4 in Thailand: Dinner River Cruise (7/18/2008, part 2 of 2)
Day 5 Ayutthaya Day Tour: Bang Pa-In Palace (7/19/2008, part 1 of 2)
Day 5 Ayutthaya Day Tour: Wat Mahathat (7/19/2008, part 2 of 2)
Day 6 in Thailand: Inside the Grand Palace (7/20/2008)
Day 7 in Thailand: Future park, Patpong and Suan Lum in one night (7/21/2008)
Day 8 in Thailand: University Life (7/22/2008)
