The last couple of days have been spent exploring the busy, and at times chaotic, city of Bangkok. Given how cheap Grab/Bolt is, we mostly used cars to get around, though Tom and Luisa did use the train a bit. We spent quite a lot of time in traffic, so it took longer to do anything than originally anticipated. There was always something to see while en route though.
The Grand Palace is a 218,000 square metre complex of beautiful buildings and grounds and has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (now Thailand) since 1782. No Royals live there now, though it is still used for official events. This was the first time I felt surrounded by tourists, and it’s no wonder, 8 million people visit the Grand Palace each year!
Below are some pictures taken from inside the grounds of The Grand Palace.
The architecture was amazing with intricate details and vibrant colour everywhere. To get into Temples or similar locations you have to have shoulders and knees covered, so while I would have liked to read all the details about the various buildings, gardens and statues, I was also very hot and sweaty and my brain wasn’t at full capacity. So I didn’t know exactly what I was photographing at times. Research to do later.
The Palace is also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew. The Buddha itself was actually quite underwhelming and small but sat on a spectacular gold plated structure in a large room with beautifully detailed wall and ceiling paintings. No photos were allowed in this space. It reminded me of the Sistine Chapel actually. Everywhere you look there is something so grand and ‘showy’ to see.
When we exited the Palace, we were immediately accosted by numerous tuktuk and taxi drivers trying to get our business, followed by people selling all sorts of souvenirs or food. They are very persistent but mostly pleasant. I bought a piece of silky material with elephant prints on it. Originally 1500 baht, I got him down to 180 baht. Thomas managed to get his for 100. He’s better and bartering than I am.
Next, we visited Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the oldest temple in Bangkok. The temple is considered the earliest centre for public education in Thailand and is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, which is still taught and practised at the temple.
The Reclining Buddha is a 15m high and 46m long, gold plated representation of Buddha, just before he passed into the afterlife.
Our afternoon was spent exploring the Chatuchak weekend markets, the world’s largest and most diverse markets. The 15,000 stalls were selling anything and everything. Street food, souvenirs, crafts, knock off clothing and bags, jewelry. I even found a store selling snakes!
It was fascinating to visit and wander around but also quite exhausting. And packed, the market attracts 200,000 visitors every weekend. I joined Mum and Dad for a drink at a cute bar on the edge of the market while waiting for the rest of the family to be marketed out.
Following dinner and show and tell of what we all bought, we went to a recently opened rooftop bar named after the Monkey God, Hanuman. I love seeing cities by night. They always look pretty, and you can’t see or smell the dirty bits. Though I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how tidy and clean Bangkok has been. It’s been a busy but fab day.
A Small Adventure 