Bangkok Things to Do Tips by Jmill42

Grand Palace Rules Grand Palace - Wat Phra Kaew Review

First, always check to see if the ruler of some country is on a visit to Bangkok! If so, a large portion of the Royal Palace will be closed to foreigners.

Secondly, there is a strict dress code for entering the temple, as it is the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. Wear socks, because there are no bare feet allowed and no shoes either. No way on sandles. Your shoulders must be covered. Guys have to wear long pants, no shorts. No short shorts for girls, with the addition of no see-through clothes either. I guess the same would go for guys, but guys... are you really wearing see-through clothes???

If you do happen to forget all of these things and wear a hot pink, see-through bikini, the people at the front door have some robes that you can borrow. You'll have to give them something valuable to hold while you tour the site.

Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok

Phone: 02-224-1833

Website: http://thailandforvisitors.com/central/bangkok/ratanakosin/prakeo/index.html

Wat Ratchapradit Wat Ratchapradit Review

Only after visiting Angkor did I finally come to appreciate this temple. Just a short walk from the Royal Palace, Wat Ratchapradit is a temple built in the style of the Khmer rulers of the time, resembling the great Angkor temples in Cambodia. However, the temple here is decorated in flashy colored tiles, much in the style of the other wats in Bangkok. A fascinating mix of cultures. A MUST see for Angkor buffs!

Address: Rachini Road

Website: http://thailandforvisitors.com/central/bangkok/ratanakosin/ratchapradit.html

King Prajadhipok Museum

To learn about Thailand's rich history, this might be the best place. This museum is somewhat bland, but the informationj it gives is what makes it good. There are no "big attractions" just the good history lesson.

Details about the lineage of Thailands monarchy and the subsequent rise of resistance against it, are well laid out for all. While some of the photos are not labeled in English, everything else is.

King Prajadhipok was the 76th child and last born son of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).

Transportation
Bus no.2, 15, 44, 47, 60 A/C Bus no.39, 44,
79, 511, 512
Saensaep Canal Express Boat service at the Phanfa pier

Opening Hours
Tuesday - Sunday (including public holidays)
9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Admission fee 40 Bahts

Address: 2 Lanluang Road

Directions: Near the Phanfalilat Bridge

Other Contact: kpm@kpi.ac.th

Phone: (+662) 2280 3413 , 280-3445-6

Democracy Monument Democracy Monument Review

Definitely the most dangerous monument I visited, the democracy monument stands proud from the center of Rajadamnoen Road. Crossing the traffic to see it, well, I might not do again. If you are not fleet of foot, do not try!! Designed by an Italian, the monument stands to offer remembrance about the end of Thailands absolute monarchy in 1932. This also brought about Thailand's first constitution, and the whole of the story about this period in Thailand's history, and its leaders at the time can be seen at the King Prajadhipok Museum. nearby.

Address: Bangkok

Hill-Side Monuments Golden Mount and Wat Saket Review

One thing that you should be keenly aware of as you begin to ascend to the top of the Golden Mount, are the hundreds of mini-shrines dotting the sides of the hill. These are built into the ruins of mud and plaster from the collapse of the first two attempts at temples built here.

Address: Bus No. 8, 15, 37, 47, 97 Air Con Bus No. 38, 49

Phone: 66-2-233 4561

Golden Mount History Golden Mount and Wat Saket Review

The Golden Mount has the coolest history of any place in Bangkok! Basically a king wanted to build a place to mark the entrance into the city, long ago, on this spot. But the land could not support the structure because it is located next to a river and is too soft. But, this didn't stop him from trying and it collapsed. A later king tried to do the ssame thing, building on the pile of rubble the first king had made. This failed again, but it didn't stop a third person, once the had invented concrete, from concreting the hill, making it sturdy enough to build the present day temple.

Address: Bus No. 8, 15, 37, 47, 97 Air Con Bus No. 38, 49

Phone: 66-2-233 4561

Best View Over Bangkok Golden Mount and Wat Saket Review

About a 20-25 minute walk from the Royal Palace, lies a hill from which the best view of Bangkok can be had. At the top of this hill lies Wat Saket. Part of Wat Saket is the structure known as the Golden Mount.. But, the entire place is known as both, so be aware when looking. The temple has a large golden chedi on its roof, and it costs about 10 Baht to climb to the top. Please note that it is a fair climb to the top, but not overly demanding.

The best thing about going to this temple are the bells that line the route up. There will be about ten bells in a row. You are supposed ot ring each for good luck, and when you have about 4-5 people arriving, EVERYONE knows!!

Address: Bus No. 8, 15, 37, 47, 97 Air Con Bus No. 38, 49

Phone: 66-2-233 4561

Big Buddha! Wat Intharawihan Review

By far the easiest Buddha to recognize from outside a wat is the Buddha at Wat Indrawiharn. The reason?? It stands over 32 meters tall!! I guess this is the cousin of the Reclining Buddha that decided to do something with his life! Anyway, the statue is somewhat disappointing inthat it is not very realistic. The body and face are very flat, so I guess the Reclining Buddha got all the looks in the family. Nevertheless, it is an impressive site to visit and should be on your list.

Address: Wat Intharawihan -Standing Buddha Image

Directions: Bang Khun Phrom Sub-District, Phra Nakorn District, near by newly open Rama VIII bridge and Bank of Thailand.

Phone: 66-(0)2 2817810

Chedi's Wat Pho Review

Wandering around the Wat Pho complex, you will notice many ornate structures sticking out of the ground. These are known as Chedis. They normally are bell-shaped and hold the remains of some important monk or king.

Whereas in other temples you will see chedis that are round, all Wat Po's are square.

Address: Tha Tien Pier, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Directions: The entrance to Wat Pho is on Chetuphon road. Entrance is 20B. It's open every day, opening hours are from 08.00am to 5.00pm, with a break from 12.00pm to 1.00pm.

Phone: 02-221-991

Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

Wat Pho's Ubosot Wat Pho Review

Outside the Wat Pho's Ubosot, you will notice gray colored tile with intricate engravings. These depict the same Ramakien story that is displayed on the walls of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Royal Palace. These are colorless, but still as cool as the colored version. Inside lies the best alter in Bangkok, in my opinion. Gracing the top of this alter is a large gold and crystal Buddha.

Address: Tha Tien Pier, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Directions: The entrance to Wat Pho is on Chetuphon road. Entrance is 20B. It's open every day, opening hours are from 08.00am to 5.00pm, with a break from 12.00pm to 1.00pm.

Phone: 02-221-991

Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/