DAY 3 – THE GRAND PALACE AND WAT PHO TEMPLES – THAILAND
My friend got Bangkok early in the morning. He arrived into our hostel and woke me up at my bed, such a great way to wake up!
The day was for visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha). It was also included into the itinerary Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), but we couldn’t visit it because was under works of maintenance.
1.00pm – Grand Palace.
It is dazzling and spectacular. From 1782, it was during 150 years the home of the King of Thailand. The architecture and details are amazingly impressive.
Opening hours are daily from 08:30 to 15:30. Admission to the main area where is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Central Court of the Grand Palace is 500 bahts (around 14 euros).
It is important to dress correctly. Men have to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops and no bare feet, so not possible flip flops or sandals without socks. Women have to cover shoulders, non transparent clothes. In case you don’t bring the correct clothes, there is a room next to the entrance where you can get some clothes for the visit with giving a money deposit.
«Advice» Inside the palace area and before the entrance to the most important area there is shop where you should get some water to fight with the heat. We also got some fruit to get energy. Try to go early morning because usually are full of people which isn’t good to take pictures.
3.00pm – Lunch.
Next to the Grand Palace there are several streets with restaurants. Prices use to be a bit higher due to the proximity of the Grand Palace.
4.00pm – Wat Pho. Temple of Reclining Buddha.
Welcome to Wat Pho (วัดโพธิ์), the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Located next to the Grand Palace by 10 minutes walking.
Here, the 46 meters Buddha is laying down waiting for you. Admission is 100bahts (around 2.5 euros) and you can visit any time between 08:00 and 17:00.
It is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho is often considered the leading school of massage in Thailand. The large grounds of Wat Pho contain more than 1000 Buddha images in total, most from the ruins of the former capitals Ayuthaya and Sukhothai.
One of my favorite pictures. Big Buddhist monk dressing a little Buddhist monk.
While exploring the temple we found a Buddhist. We stayed listening to the wisdom of the Buddhist monk, talking about reincarnation.
LISTEN TO BUDDHIST MONK – VIDEO
6.30pm – Back to Khao San area.
To have a relaxing and deserved one hour Thai massage and after that some refreshing beers.
10.00pm – Dinner at Madame Musur.
Why change something if was excellent? We come back to this restaurant to make my friend try the delicious “Pad thai”. We also ordered “Satay pork” (brochette on the left) and “Khaopad goong” (the rice with shrimp).
100 bahts are around 2.5 euros.
12.30am – Nightlife in Khao San Road.
We met some nice guys from Brazil, also the thai people is very nice and friendly. Always fun in Khao San!
There are some 7/11 shops open 24 hours where you can get some food or snacks.
*Source: Wikipedia