|
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the
Grand Palace is where you can see an interesting mix of European and Thai
architecture in the one compound. Together with the royal chapel or Wat Phra
Kaeo, the Palace is one of the must see places in Bangkok. Remember to take a
hat and dress appropriately for one of Thailand's most revered and sacred
location. The complex is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m, except for
ceremonial days.
Vimanmek Palace
Located on Si Ayuthaya Road, this complex of five Thai style houses
occupies a beautiful garden and houses an important collection of Asian
antiques. A lacquer pavilion is decorated with sumptuous late Ayutthayan period
(1350-1767) gold-leaf murals. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9.00 a.m.
to 4.00 p.m. Admission is 50 baht.
Wat Phra Kaeo (Golden Palace)
Located in the Grand Palace compound, this
temple is home to Thailand's most revered Buddha image - the Emerald Buddha.
Overwhelming in its rich display of colour, images and architecture, the
buildings inside the temple grounds comprise of a Golden Stupa, containing
relics of the Buddha, a Library where Buddhist scriptures are kept, and the
Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of
the Chakri dynasty
Wat Pho
The largest temple in Bangkok, it is
also famous for its 46 meter long, 15 meter high gold-plated reclining Buddha
which rests in a large hall built in the reign of Rama III in 1832. Wat Po is
also known as a place of learning, and is the centre for traditional medicine
and massage - all of which can be practiced or sampled by locals and tourists
who flock to this temple for relief from the tensions of modern life. Getting
there - by riverboat stop at Tha Thien. By bus - head for the Grand Palace and
and walk down to Chetupon Road. Entrance is on the south side of the monestry.
Wat Mahathat
Located on Na Phrathat Road near
Thammasat University and in the vicinity of the Grand Palace, the temple houses
Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist
learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners. The
temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m
Wat Arun
Opposite the Grand Palace on the Chao Phraya River, the temple is easily spotted
on Bangkok's skyline by it's tall thin pagodas decorated with ceramic tiles and
fragments of multi-coloured porcelain. Easy access is by boat from Tha Tien
Pier, near Wat Pho
Wat Saket
Another prominent landmark on Bangkok's
skyline, Wat Saket features an artificial hill topped by a gilded pagoda which
is 260 feet in height from its base. Begun by King Rama III and completed in the
reign of King Rama IV, the golden mount is one of the most celebrated landmarks
in Bangkok's old area and offers a panoramic city view from the top
| 
