Bangkok: The Grand Palace

As my friends had not been to (or fade memory of) the dazzling, magnificent Grand Palace, I put a half-day palace tour in my proposed itinerary. I wanted to learn about the exotic palace! Gasp, it must be a mum thing for unable to run away from planning an "educational tour".

But I'm lucky again, no one objected.

It is really a beautiful palace!

So here is how we started: took about 20 minutes to walk from our Hotel- Glow Pratunam Hotel, Petchburi Road [Point A in the map below] to the nearest BTS station- Ratchadewi Station [Point B] to ride a train (transfer at Siam BTS station, Point C) to reach to Sanphan Taksin BTS [Point D]. Few minutes walk from there, we then reached Oriental Pier. We did what most tourists do: taking the longboat to reach Tha Chong Pier [Point E] and head to the Grand Palace by foot. 

Detail of the BTS route is here; Chao Phraya Pier Guide is here.

It was almost noon by the time we reach the Palace. 

My friends and I.

When we walk into the compound of the temple of the Emerald Buddha, we saw the very extensive mural depicting some form of epic about Old Siam King. There were few tour-guides led their own tourists respectively and explained the mural, mostly in Mandarin. We admired the painting long enough to (over)hear that, each one of them told the story of the mural differently. But what I found from my brochure, gotten from the ticketing counter is this: 

"The grounds of the Royal Monastery are encompassed by galleries, the walls of which are painted with scenes from the Ramakien, first painted during the reign of King Rama I and since then restored several times. The first scene of the story is found next to the east gate, just opposite Phra Wiharn Yod. There is a depiction of the initial stages of the war waged by Rama of Ayothaya to rescue his wife, who had been abducted by Thotsakan (Ravana), King of Longka. Further on there are a number of other episodes from the story: the building of the causeway from the mainland; the battle of Maiyarab, the Magician who took the sleeping Rama to the underworld; the battles of Kumpakan and Indrasit, the brother and son respectively of Thotsakan; and other battles waged by Thotsakan, his other relatives and allies. The significant battle in which Thotsakan loses his life is to be found just near the gate leading to the Royal Palace." 

L: Admiring the detail of the painting. | R-bottom: I spotted the station of restoration of painting.

While we were marvel at the exquisite detail on the façades of the impressive buildings, I also noticed the architectural design has evolved and blended with some western elements, particularly on Chakri Maha Prasat Hall.

We did not cover the entire compound of the Grand Palace. Mainly were the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Chakri Maha Prasat Hall (Weapons Museum), Dusit Maha Prasat Hall... Hot day, a very hot day that we just had to bear the heat with us.

But no regret to spend few hours here.

"The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 and it consists of not only the royal residence and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000 square meters and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length." 

I love the picture of us in front of the dazzling facade of the Prasat Phra Dhepbidon. I did know that I was leaning on my bestie until I was editing the photos. We have been knowing each other since primary school, I used to 'bully' her a lot, hehee;). Our relationship evolved so much that we never fail to amaze others how we always ended up with argument and yet, get back in good terms with no trace of fighting.

Hot weather it was, but perhaps it was also one very great (half) day of touring with old friends!

Several things to take note:

Admission fee: 500 THB, inclusive of access to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavillion, Weapons Museum and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound. I understand that it is also covers the visit to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road, the world's largest golden teakwood mansion.

Opening hours: Open daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm except during special royal ceremonies.

Dress code: The Grand Palace with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo) is Thailand's most sacred site. Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Man must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves, no see-through too. Women must be similarly modestly dressed, a 3 quarter pants or shorter is not accepted. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes to cover you up properly (a deposit is required)