The last time I went to Bangkok (March 2014), I wasn't able to tour around the city so I consider this time as my actual "first time" to "see the city."
We arrived in Suvarnabhumi International Airport at around 9am instead of 8am due to the delay in our flight. We took a cab to book our overnight bus tickets, left our baggage at the ticketing office and started our short Bangkok day trip.
First Stop: WAT ARUN
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or simply and shortly known as "Wat Arun" (also Temple of Dawn) is a buddhist temple which is also one of the most popular landmarks in the city. It is located on the west Bank of the Chao Phraya river just across the Grand Palace of Bangkok.
Skirts that reveal the knees are not allowed inside Wat Arun so in the entrance, where you buy the tickets (50baht), you can rent sarongs such as the one I was wearing below.
Named after the Hindu God Aruna, a lot of people says Wat Arun is most beautiful in the daylight as the sunlight reflects on the temple's surface with "pearly irridescence."
Maintenance was going on during our visit but that didn't stop us and all the tourists from climbing the steep stairs that leads to the top.
This is how steep it is. It's dizzying to look at from above and climbing up is waaaaay easier that going down. There was even a moment when I deferred going down because I was too scared. The steps becomes steeper as it goes higher and this is not a treat for those who are afraid of heights.
But then, the view from the top was breathtaking and the breeze was relaxing. From the top, you can see the Grand Palace from the other side of the river.
Wat Arun has existed since the 17th century but it was only in the 19th century that its iconic spires (also known as "prang") was built. The tallest prang and the four smaller ones that it is surrounded with (not in this photo, sorry) are encrusted with colorful porcelain.
Pag nahulog ka, dead. Kidding!
Excuse my boyfriend, but this is the front view of Wat Arun. :)
It took as an hour and a half before we decided to go to the Grand Palace. We took the boat (I forgot what they call it) and went across the Chao Phraya river to the other side for just 3baht. Upon crossing, you will be greeted by lots of souvenir kiosks and street food stalls. As much as we wanted to try, so many tourists were lined up so we decided to skip it and just head to the Grand Palace.
From the port of Chao Phraya, you have to walk for at least 10 minutes to get to the entrance gates of the Grand Palace.
SECOND STOP: GRAND PALACE
Sadly, we ran out of luck as we arrived at the Grand Palace a few minutes after 4pm (which means it will be closing soon) so we were only able to explore a few parts of it and not the all of the structures inside the complex.
Anyway, the Grand Palace is a complex of buildings and structures that has been the "official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782." However, the present king of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a well-loved king if I may add, is currently residing in Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official royal events.
And since we weren't able to explore it wholly, I don't have the photo of the main buildings so the photo right below is not mine. As a whole, the entire complex looks like this.
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| www.bssuvarnabhumi.com |
Generally, it was a great experience, albeit short since we only had morning to afternoon to do that because our bus to Phuket leaves at 5pm so we hurried back to Sai Tai Mai to catch the bus.
Hopefully, the third time I go back to Bangkok will be for a much longer stay as I plan to see the Wat Pho (just within the area), Madam Tussauds Wax Museum, and other shows that are very popular in Bangkok.
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