|
The Grand Palace - Bangkok, Thailand |
Being a first-timer in traveling abroad, we went to Bangkok with no plans, certainly no itinerary. But since I searched and read about the city before our flight, I remembered coming across an article that says a visit to Bangkok wouldn't be complete without seeing one of its famous attraction,
The Grand Palace. And so, from Chatuchak Market where our tour guide Sam dropped us off after the tour, we decided to explore the city on our own and visit The Grand Palace - this after buying some souvenirs for families and friends (
Chatuchak Market is a famous market in Bangkok that offers variety of souvenir items, from handicrafts, fabrics, clothing, etc.)
From the Chatuchak Market, we tried to hail a cab but it took us a lot of time before we got one. (
In Bangkok, cab drivers prefer contracting out the fare rather than using their taxi meter.) After more than 30 minutes of hailing a cab and negotiating with the fare, we got lucky one cab took us in. But not without a catch. He agreed to take us in if we would agree to take the highway which means paying toll fees and the driver said we are the ones to pay for it (
Bangkok charged toll fees for using their expressways/highways, and they really are "express" ways. If only our country could follow suit, I guess there will be options for commuters for a fast and convenient way to their destination.) Instead of wasting more time hailing and haggling, we took the cab and off we go the palace.
Expressway as it is, we reached our destination fast! And then we saw one of Bangkok's pride, The Grand Palace. See the photo above, that's the view of the palace that will welcome anyone who comes to visit the place (
the photo was taken just after the entrance to the palace complex, before paying the entrance fee).
The Grand Palace complex was established in 1872. It consists of the royal residence (
The Grand Palace is the former residence of the King of Thailand), throne halls, a number of government offices and of course, the renowned
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (
Wat Phra Kaew). Many tourists flock the complex to see and admire the beauty of the buildings and structures; they were so artfully and intricately designed, you'll wonder how they were built during those times. I am not good with words and descriptions so just check out the photos below (
but am also a noob in photography so please bear with my photos) to see for yourself how beautifully and artfully built the structures inside the complex are. :D
Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand where people convene to pay respect to their Lord Buddha and His teachings. It is enshrined in a traditional Thai-style throne known as busabok (a throne made of gilded-carved wood). The Buddha is carved from a block of green jade and was first discovered in 1434 in a stupa in Chiang Rai. The sacred image is clad with one of the three seasonal costumes which are changed in a ceremony presided over by His Majesty, the King. (source: The Grand Palace flyers given to tourists)
Planning to go to Bangkok? Don't forget to include The Grand Palace in your itinerary. With the history and culture attached to the place and the beautiful architectures inside, you wouldn't regret including this place in your itinerary. :)