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The Grand Palace
Sharing 945,000 square meters of common ground, Wat Pra Kaeo
and the Grand Palace are Bangkok’s most popular cultural
attractions. The wat, which was built in 1782 at the behest of
King Rama I, consists of several gilded structures and is noted
for its extensive murals showing scenes from the Ramakian, the
Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana.
Also known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a large bot (main
chapel) at the wat houses the small (75cm tall), but culturally
significant statute. The origins of this much traveled piece of
statuary are a mystery, but it was returned to Thailand from Laos
in 1778 by General Chao Phraya Chakri, who later became King Rama
I.
The Grand Palace is no longer used as a royal residence, but
serves a variety of other functions. The numerous buildings are
constructed in several architectural styles that reflect the desires
of the monarchs who created them. Chakri Maha Prasat, the largest
of the buildings, was designed by British architect John Clunish
in 1882, but is topped with Thai style spires. The room below
the largest spire contains the ashes of several Chakri monarchs
and their queens. When visiting the compound care must be taken
to dress appropriately. Shorts, sleeveless shirts and shoes without
toes and heels are not permitted. When entering the bot or other
sanctuaries of the Wat shoes must be removed.
Open daily from 08:30-15:30, the admission fee to the compound
is 200 baht.
Suan Pakkad
Palace
Formerly the residence of Princess Chumphot, one of Thailand's
leading art collectors, the five traditional Thai teak house a
large collection of various Thai arts and antiques, from furniture
to dolls. Located in a beautifully kept garden on Si Ayutthaya
Road near the Phayathai intersection. An easy 500 metre walk from
the Skytrain (Phayathai) station. Admission: 100 Baht
Open every day 9:00 - 16:00
Wat Phra Kaeo
(Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Located in the Grand Palace compound, this temple is home to
Thailand's most revered Buddha image - the Emerald Buddha. Overwhelming
in its rich display of colour, images and architecture, the buildings
inside the temple grounds comprise of a Golden Stupa, containing
relics of the Buddha, a Library where Buddhist scriptures are
kept, and the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping
statues of deceased kings of the Chakri dynasty. The entire area
is surrounded by a wall containing mural paintings depicting the
story of the Ramayana. Open daily from 8.30 to 3.30 except for
auspicious and ceremonious occasions, visitors must dress appropriately
- no shorts or singlets.
Wat Arun
 The
“Temple of Dawn” is a Bangkok landmark. Dramatically
jutting into the air from its location on the Thonburi banks of
the Chao Phraya, the central Khmer-style prang has been elongated
to give it an appearance that is unmistakably Thai. Four smaller
prangs of similar design surround the main spire. All five of
the spires have been covered with broken pieces of porcelain that
were used as ballast by Chinese ships that formerly came to Thailand.
Steep steps lead halfway up one side of the main prang to a point
where there are dramatic views of the river and surrounding areas,
including Wat Pra Kaeo and The Grand Palace. The interior of the
temple’s bot is also worth exploring. The murals picturing
Prince Siddhartha encountering examples of birth, old age, sickness
and death are particularly impressive.
The wat is open daily from 07:30-17:30; admission is 10 baht.
It can be reached from the Bangkok side of the river by taking
the ferry from Tha Tien Pier to the Wat Arun Pier.
Wat Pho
 The
second largest Buddha image in Thailand is housed in this, the
oldest and largest wat in Bangkok. Although the wat was built
in the 16th century during the Ayutthaya period, it has been rebuilt
and modified several times. The 46 meter long Buddha image was
created in the 19th century during the reign of Rama III. Built
around a brick core and covered with plaster that is finished
with gold leaf, the eyes and feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Wat Pho is also the resting place for numerous gilded Buddha images
that were brought from temples destroyed during conflicts with
the Burmese. The wat has always concerned itself with traditional
medicine, including Thai massage. For 250 baht an hour or 150
baht a half-hour, visitors can receive a massage. Those interested
in learning the art can enroll in five to 10-day courses.
Wat Pho is open from 08:00-17:00 and costs 20 baht to visit.
Wat Traimit. The central attraction at this wat is a 5 ½
ton gold Buddha that never fails to amaze visitors with its gleaming
beauty and incredible value. Covered with plaster to protect it
from people more interested in gold than its religious significance,
the true character of the image was discovered only 45 years ago.
While workers struggled to move it, a chunk of plaster fell off,
revealing its solid gold interior. The statute is housed in a
rather non-descript temple near Chinatown and Hualamphong train
station. The wat is open daily from 09:00-17:00 and has a 10 baht
admission charge.
Wat Traimit
Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University and close
to the Grand Palace, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist
University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning
in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.
The temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Wat Mahathat
Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University and close
to the Grand Palace, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist
University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning
in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.
The temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Wat Saket
Another prominent landmark on Bangkok's skyline, Wat Saket features
a gilded pagoda which is 260 feet in height from its base. Begun
by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama IV, the
golden mount is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok's
old area and offers a panoramic city view from the top.
Wang Suan
Phakkard
Formerly the residence of Princess Chumbot of Nakhon Sawan,
this collection of five traditional wooden Thai houses is a delight
to visit. The structures of the “Lettuce Farm Palace”
are filled with antiques, art, porcelain and furnishings. The
grounds are beautifully landscaped and the pond contains ducks
and swans. Although not a particularly popular destination with
Thais, foreigners always seem to enjoy the peaceful respite from
hectic Bangkok and the useful information they receive about Thai
history and culture. Located on Si Ayutthaya Road near the Siam
City Hotel, it is open every day except Sunday from 09:00-16:00.
There is a 150 baht admission fee.
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