As mentioned in previous post, our trip to The Grand Palace was through riding the Blue Flag Chao Phraya Tourist Boat to Tha Chang Pier. When we landing, we followed the way and continue walked until to the road side. At the junction, we noticed that there was white colour wall which slightly far from our right hand side, and it is the outer wall where The Grand Palace located.
We cross the road and got near to the white wall, then move towards the crowds. Due to this is a hotspot, there was lot of tourist groups gathered at the gate, so move toward the crowds should be a wide decision. Of course, our hypothesis was right.
Before went into the compound, I saw the signboard below. I think it is good for sharing so I snapshot and post it here. The Grand Palace is opened daily include Sunday from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Appropriate cloth is needed. And the tip is DO NOT TRUST WILY STRANGERS. But luckily we were not approached by any of the so-called scammers.
There was a soldier stand beside the gate! Yes, Soldier! Not Security!! But we do not violate any rules so no need to be scared..haha!! After got into the compound, there was lot of tourists from different countries were found gathered here. Initially we thought that Friday is weekday and not much locals visit the palace, hence we could be more relax in visiting it. However we were totally wrong, of course locals might not be many but tourists everywhere. Remember to apply sunblock on each skin area that exposed to the sun, or you might got sunburnt like me. Really hot..hot..hot!
When we entered the gate, there was lot of people queueing at the right, look like went into the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. In fact, they were queueing to rent the clothing. Oh ya..proper attire is required to enter the palace. It is stated on the signboard above, so I won't repeat here again. We do agree that Bangkok is hot so most of tourist prefer to wear in light and short, no problem with it but whenever need to enter the palace or temple, then cloth renting is required. However, I would still advise the visitor to consider in attire that meet the minimum requirement so that could save some time to queue and rent clothing at the counter.
We followed the way to the ticketing counter and got our ticket at 500 Baht per person. Not cheap but worth it because the ticket is for three locations. If you have time, lets visit all 3 locations. We have no time for all, only for The Grand Palace.
When got through the entrance, the guard was offering the visitors with the visitor booklet. Get a copy with your preferred language for free. It is useful as a map to guide you on how to visit The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, if you know how to read it. Besides, there is also some background and history of the palace and the buildings within the compound.
The first building we saw was the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple (in fact most of the buildings) is golden in colour, looked grand and stately.
Before enter the temple, remember to take off the shoe and place it in the shoe rack provided.
The Emerald Buddha is in the centre of the temple. But sorry, no photographing allowed. So most of the visitors could only took photo from outside. There were many Buddhist praying during our visit. Could you notice the Emerald Buddha in the photo below?
The Emerald Buddha is carved from a block of green jade and was first discovered in year 1434. The Emerald Buddha is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand where people convene to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and His Teachings. According to the information, the costumes of Emerald Buddha are changed three times a year in a ceremony presided over by His Majesty the King.
Where I walked around the temple, I saw the activity below. The visitors were taking the lotus stem (I guessed), and immerse it into the water, then wetted their head with this wet lotus stem. When I got near to it, than only I knew that it is 'holy water' that believe to be could blessed the people whenever apply it on the head. I did followed others to apply it. After my turn, then only I heard from a tour guide that the application should be in 3 times..Oooo..I only applied once!!! Anyway I still felt happy because I truly believe that with our sincerity, we would still being blessed. :)
When we first saw the Yaksha, we were so impressed and would like to take photo with it. But no chance to take the individual image as they were so popular and attracted many visitors to snapshot with it. When we walked around the temple than only we realized there are more than two Yakshas. If not mistaken, there are total 12 Yakshas within the compound. Some areas have less visitors, so still have chance to take individual photo, haha..! In Thailand, Yakshas are common gate guardians in Buddhist temple since 14th century.
The trip was not ended here yet..but would be continue in the Part II..
Related Post:
Bangkok 2013-The Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Part II
How to go to The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha?
The Manhattan Bangkok Hotel - reachable by BTS
Don Mueang Airport to City by Bus and BTS
When we entered the gate, there was lot of people queueing at the right, look like went into the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. In fact, they were queueing to rent the clothing. Oh ya..proper attire is required to enter the palace. It is stated on the signboard above, so I won't repeat here again. We do agree that Bangkok is hot so most of tourist prefer to wear in light and short, no problem with it but whenever need to enter the palace or temple, then cloth renting is required. However, I would still advise the visitor to consider in attire that meet the minimum requirement so that could save some time to queue and rent clothing at the counter.
 |
| Snapshot while walked to the ticketing counter |
When got through the entrance, the guard was offering the visitors with the visitor booklet. Get a copy with your preferred language for free. It is useful as a map to guide you on how to visit The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, if you know how to read it. Besides, there is also some background and history of the palace and the buildings within the compound.
 |
| Visitor Booklet in Different Language for Free |
Before enter the temple, remember to take off the shoe and place it in the shoe rack provided.
The Emerald Buddha is in the centre of the temple. But sorry, no photographing allowed. So most of the visitors could only took photo from outside. There were many Buddhist praying during our visit. Could you notice the Emerald Buddha in the photo below?
The Emerald Buddha is carved from a block of green jade and was first discovered in year 1434. The Emerald Buddha is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand where people convene to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and His Teachings. According to the information, the costumes of Emerald Buddha are changed three times a year in a ceremony presided over by His Majesty the King.
Where I walked around the temple, I saw the activity below. The visitors were taking the lotus stem (I guessed), and immerse it into the water, then wetted their head with this wet lotus stem. When I got near to it, than only I knew that it is 'holy water' that believe to be could blessed the people whenever apply it on the head. I did followed others to apply it. After my turn, then only I heard from a tour guide that the application should be in 3 times..Oooo..I only applied once!!! Anyway I still felt happy because I truly believe that with our sincerity, we would still being blessed. :)
When we first saw the Yaksha, we were so impressed and would like to take photo with it. But no chance to take the individual image as they were so popular and attracted many visitors to snapshot with it. When we walked around the temple than only we realized there are more than two Yakshas. If not mistaken, there are total 12 Yakshas within the compound. Some areas have less visitors, so still have chance to take individual photo, haha..! In Thailand, Yakshas are common gate guardians in Buddhist temple since 14th century.
The trip was not ended here yet..but would be continue in the Part II..
Related Post:
Bangkok 2013-The Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Part II
How to go to The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha?
The Manhattan Bangkok Hotel - reachable by BTS
Don Mueang Airport to City by Bus and BTS
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