First day in Bangkok: Grand Palace and temple tour

We woke up early at 7am, never mind that we tucked in the sheets a little past 2am. I find it easier to wake up early on vacations than on workdays (because I’m hyped). It was a gloomy day outside as we had our buffet breakfast at our hotel. But we were still hoping the sun to shine since we will be mostly on a walking tour to Grand Palace and the temples.

We decided to take the BTS skytrain from Phaya Thai Station which is nearest our hotel via passing by the slums in the railroad (yes you read it right). We walked in the railroad and it felt like we were in Pinas. From Phaya Thai, we changed trains and finally alighted at Saphan Taksin station. From Central (Sathorn - Taksin), we boarded the water taxi going to Tha Chang (Grand Palace) station.

Water taxi route

We exited the boat station and followed the tourist crowd. If you are unsure where to go, simply follow the tourist crowd because most of the time they are going to the same destination as yours. As we entered the main entrance of the Grand Palace the guards checked our bags and our attire. Shorts, minis, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and slippers are improper attire and you will not be permitted to enter unless you put a cover-up. I had no problems whatsoever though I was wearing a low neckline plaid top.

the Grand Invitation

We paid the admission ticket at 250THB which included free admission at the Vimanmek Mansion which was valid for 5 days. As I was about to step in the entrance of the Grand Palace complex, I was apprehended by the lady guard because I wasn’t properly dressed. I had to rent a blouse at the main entrance for cover-up. Oh well…

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings which served as the official residence of the King of Thailand. The palace was constantly expanded to add new buildings and other structures. By the time we visited, there was a rehabilitation going on.

Grand Palace facade

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Outside the  temple, cameras not allowed inside

Phra Si Rattana Chedi

Monks in the Grand Palace

Chakri Mahaprasat Hall

One of the subsidiary buildings

In the Galleries

With the statuesque Thai Royal Guard 

It was almost noon when we finished touring the whole Grand Palace complex. Luckily, we found a Thai resto nearby. The food was superb for its price.  After our sumptuous lunch, we dropped at the tourist stand and asked for the direction of Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).

Something happened on our way to Wat Pho which will be detailed in another blog post. To cut the story short, we were diverted to a gem factory by a tourist police and a tuktuk driver. We spent the whole afternoon in the gem factory and was only able to continue with the tour around 5pm. It was just enough time to see the Reclining Buddha.

We entered the temple and took as much pictures as we can before the temple closes at 6PM.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Sadly, we missed Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) because it was already dark and the temple was surely closed. Erick and I said that we could just come back probably while the girlfriends do some shopping the next day. But of course, we didn’t come back. The moment we entered the mall, I knew that Wat Arun will have to wait on my next visit to BKK.

We hurriedly walked to the boat station to catch the water taxi going back the Central Station. To our dismay, there were no more trips in the station. We learned that we have to go the next boat station to catch the last trip of the boat taxi. We walked to the station feeling hungry, tired, and wet from the downpour. I wished we could just take a cab from the station to our hotel but the taxi driver would surely rip us off.

It was a respite arriving in our hotel and showering and changing into clean clothes. We didn’t have much energy to eat outside our hotel and explore Pratunam. We settled with hotel food which wasn’t bad after all. It was an early night for all for us because tomorrow was another day and new story to be told.