Solid Gold Buddha and other Bangkok, Thailand Things to Do Tips

he Temple of the Golden Buddha is considered as one of the must see temples in Bangkok. It is known for its famous Golden Buddha, now more than 700 years old.

At the entrance, there is a big temple in the middle and the ticket office is on your left. We bought the ticket for 20B but is seems like nobody was controlling the entrance. Climbed a flight of stairs at the left up to the small pavillion where the Golden Buddha is kept.
Inside the temple lies the HUGE statue of Buddha which is made of pure, solid gold and is 12 feet 5 inches in diameter and a height of 15 feet 9 inches and weighs approximately 5 and a 1/2 tons...

It was undiscovered until the 1950s, but then an outer layer of plaster began to peel away, exposing the solid gold icon beneath! Apparently, after this discovery, lots of other Buddha icons had their outer layers peeled away, but no others were found to be hiding solid gold figures. The temple itself has nothing special to look at from the outside. It's rather a small temple.

As well as the large and impressive centerpiece, there is also a host of smaller Buddhas with fake gold coverings in the pavilion. Next to the golden Buddha there is a counter selling postcards and other golden Buddha related souvenirs.

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Phone: 623 1226
Address: Thanon Yaowarat
Directions: Near Hualamphong Station

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings in Bangkok. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. After the death of King Ananda Mahidol in the Baromphiman Palace, King Bhumibol moved the official royal residence to Chitralada Palace. Construction of the palace complex began in 1782, during the reign of Rama I.

The palace complex sits on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The other approaches to the palace are protected by a defensive wall of 1,900 metres in length, which encloses an area of 218,400 square metres. Further out from the wall is a canal, which was also created for defensive purposes, making the area surrounding the palace an island, known as Rattana Kosin.

The combined compound is open 8.30am to 3.30pm everyday. Cost is 200B (free for locals). Tix includes admission to Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (that can be used within seven days of your Grand Palace visit), both in the Dusit area of the city, the Coin Museum in the compound, and so-so free guidebook. The entrance to the compound is on Na Phra Lan road, on the north side.

Be careful of touts working outside the palace area who tell you its closed, and suggest their own guided tour instead. Their 'tour' will be to several shops where they get commissions on your purchases - it's all part of a sophisticated gem scam. Free guided tours also available in English for certain period of time.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon as it is generally known to the Thais, is mainly famous for the huge Reclining Buddha statue it houses. It is located behind the splendid Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

The highly impressive gold plated reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, and is designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. The Buddha's feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl illustrations of 108 auspicious laksanas (characteristics) of the Buddha.

A small amount of donations buys you a small cup full of coins and along the spine of Wat Po's reclining Buddha, you'll find a long row of black begging bowls (108 of them), corresponding to the 108 auspicious characteristics of the Buddha. Toss some coins in each (takes about 2 min) and you're all filled with luck and good karma and help the monks keep up the temple. It makes a nice sound too while tossing the coins into the bowls.

Wat Pho is open daily between 8am to 5pm. The admission fee is 20B.

Outside, the grounds contain 91 chedis (stupas or mounds), four wihaans (halls), and a bot (the central shrine in a Buddhist temple). Most impressive, aside from the Reclining Buddha, are the four main chedis dedicated to the first four Chakri kings and, nearby, the library. Wat Pho is among the most photogenic of all the wats in Bangkok.

Wat Pho is also famous as Thailand's first university, and is center for traditional Thai masage - the rich, famous and powerful have all been known to come here. Inscribed on stone in the walls of Wat Pho are all that was known about Thai massage datin.

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Phone: 02-221-991
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.
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

Vinmamek Royal Mansion.Located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, Vimanmek Royal Mansion is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Removed from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was rebuilt in the Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. It was recently renovated by HM Queen Sirikit, and made into a museum paying homage to the late King.

As well as antique furniture, there's glassware, porcelain, old photographs and memorabilia from the late King's reign (1868 - 1910). Many rooms currently maintain the atmosphere of the past. A guided tour is provided to visitors. Most of the building in the same compound are now used as museums. The outstanding one is Abhisek Dusit Hall, which exhibits HM Queen Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people. The other displays of various items and art objects including HM King Bhumibol's photography, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, ancient cloth, clocks, and royal carriages. Parts of Vimanmek are still used for various state
functions and receptions for visiting royalty when the buildings are closed to the public.

Admission to the Vimanmek Mansion museum is 100B, which entitles you to enter every building and gallery. We're not allow to explore the Teak house on our own. There will be a English guide bringing you around... explaining to u all the history and antique that they have.

No shorts or sleeveless shirts and skirts must be at least knee-length or you won't be allowed in.No pic were taken as we're not allow to bring camera or even camera phone in. But I still see some Mat Salleh taking pictures in the garden... I wonder how they smuggled their camera in. Hmmm....

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Address: Rajavithi Road, Dusit
Directions: Behind Bangkok's National Assembly.
Website: http://www.palaces.thai.net/index_vm.htm

Built in 1912, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is located at the end of Ratchadamnoen Avenue. This building made of marble is said to have a spectacular interior. Exquisite fresco paintings mark the ceiling of the dome of this Throne Hall. For sometime after the 1932 coup that ended the absolute monarchy, Ananta [View More] Samagom Palace housed the Thai parliament.

We din managed to visit the palace. Just snapped a few shots n left. If I'm not mistaken, the Throne Hall was closed for some ceremony for the King's Sister's death.

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Address: Dusit Park