the GRAND PALACE Bangkok deserves the title "Grand".

I have already declared many times how I deliberately held back going to Bangkok due to some "silly" reasons.The remarks of some people I know that the city is nothing but another urban chaos like Metro Manila has helped me dismiss it through the years.But the thought that Thailand receives millions of tourists (24million in 2012) haunted me.There must be something that sets it apart from many other destinations that it is so popular.

Yes,Bangkok is Metro Manila five years forward but embedded in this urban jungle are wonderful pagodas,Buddha statues,temples and palaces that makes Thailand deserving to use the word "amazing" in its tourism campaigns.

The GRAND PALACE is only the introduction.

the GRAND PALACE Bangkok

The official residence of the kinf of Thailand since 1925, thr Grand Palace actually refers to a complex of buildings ---halls, pavilions and courtyards.

Entrance to the Grand palace is quite pricey at 500baht per pax. Only a certain sections are open to thr public and I remember entering only one of the buildings.You have to content yourself therefore at marveling on thr intricate architecture and exterior of the buildings in the complex.Even so,it will not disappoint you.Lovely lovely.

Being built in 1782, it looks rather contemporary. At least if you compare it to the old ruins of Angkor Wat and Ayutthaya. Did you know though that in order to build the city walls and public buildings, hundreds of boats carried bricks and rubble from the ruins of Ayutthaya? Cool.

The striking colors of gold, blue and red makes for a visual feast and gives the entire complex a fresh feel.

HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND PALACE?



Take the Silom Line and get off at Saphan Taksin Station (or S6 Station) and go out through Exit No. 2. Then, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang Pier (No.9). A 5-10 minute walk will bring you to the entrance gate of the Grand Palace.

Many public buses also ply the area like the one below.Bus #33.

In our case, since we stayed in Khao San Road, we only walked to here.It only took us around 15 minutes and we were already in the complex.

DRESS CODE
A strict dress code for visitors is observed.No tank tops/sleeveless shirts, skirts.In short, no showing of skin.Toinks.

No worries if you are in your skimpiest shorts though.You can borrow a long skirt (with a nice Thai accent) at the entrance.There are also trousers for men in shorts.They will ask you to deposit a particular amount which will refunded to you once you return the fabric so it's basically free.Lines could be long though so it could get inconvenient.Still, the best thing to do is dress accordingly before going here.

THE UPPER TERRACE

This place is pact.Once inside,the first thing that will catch your attention is an elevated area with four (4) main monuments.They call this the "Upper Terrace".

1.A Golden Chedi which is a reliquary. 

2.Mondrop--a repository for Buddhist sacred scriptures. 

3.A miniature Angkot Wat 

crafter by the order of King Rama IV. 

4.Royal Pantheon --where statues of past sovereigns of thr ruling Chakri Dynasty are enshrined.

I didn't notice any stores inside so better buy your water outside.And you know Thailand, it could get really hot during the day.We were too excited to get in so we didn't bother to bring anything.We almost got dehydrated.Managed to survive, thanks to corridors in some of the building which provides a cooling relief from the direct sunlight.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

We entered the temple,or shall I say chapel, to whisper our prayers.Photography is not allowed inside and everybody is asked to remove their shoes before stepping into the confines of the temple.One has to climb up a few steps to the main temple.There is a guard at the doorway and another marshal inside to maintain order.Silence is observed and even proper way of sitting.One cannot just sit on the floor in any way you want.

The interior looks solemn and it's surprisingly cool despite the raging heat outside.It's not even airconditioned and there are many but small windows on the side.I heard the Emerald Buddha of which the temple is made for is one of the most revered Buddha in Thailand.My eyes were wandering around the room looking for it (as I expected a big one) but I failed to spot it.Still, we stayed for almost thirty minutes inside just being still and clearing our thoughts.I like the place.Inner peace.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat Group
On our way out, we saw a couple more interesting buildings. The Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat Group-which is composed of nine major and minor halls.Talk about "grandeur" again.

Captured this photo, thanks to the couple we met inside the complex. Two students from UERM.Thanks Carlos for the shot.

We met a couple from UERM (University of the East). There are so many of our kababayans visiting Thailand but we were delighted to have met fellow backpackers.I heard that they have been on the road for a few days and their entire Southeast Asia tour (including Laos) is to last 2 weeks.I wish I have that long of a break.At any rate, I asked them where they were headed next and apparently,they will be going to the same destination we were set to go. Wat Pho.We decided to go and walk together, well almost, coz walking from the Grand Palace entrance to Wat Pho takes 20-30 minutes and it was noontime so we ended in a tuktuk while Carlos and his fiancee took the bus.

Our visit at the Grand Palace was brief but really satisfying. The place realy is deserving of the word "Grand" in its name.

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