The rest of the guys got too drunk to wake up in the morning but I had lots too see. Only two of us set out for the grand palace. We reached there by a taxi. (Remember: The taxi drivers dont know English, you better get the names of the places written in Thai). We reached the Palace and it was closed for lunch-time. We decided to look around interesting places nearby. It took us just 20 Baht to visit 3-4 places
Wat-in & Wat Po
Wat means temple! ‘Wat’ a large Buddha!!! It is a nice, serene temple amidst the bustling city. Nice incense sticks burning, the large green lawns, the calm face of the Buddha are therapatic. As you walk out, you will find vendors selling sausages and some lizard-like creature (sorry, dunno what it is). This defines Thailand. Buddism co-exists easily with local sensibilities and culture
Golden Shrine
I didnt do too much reasearch about this place. But it is apparently where the kings prayed to the lord. It is very scenic when you climb to the top of the shrine. You can see the whole of the Bangkok city. The surroundings are nice and calm. There are people meditating for the Lord to ’show the divine signs’.
The Grand Palace
The word Grand Palace is a misnomer in the sense that that is not THE place where the royal family stays. There is a building which is used by the royals during the ceremonies. The royal family actually owned a couple of properties there for sure but it is more live a beautiful museum of architecture. A range of architecture, inspired or a copy of an existing monument elsewhere in the world, adorn the palace. It is really a beatiful place. Make sure you take a guide who will tell you about the buildings because if you think you can understand the place using the pamphlets they give, you have grossly mistaken. Neither do they have English signs inside. There is a ‘automated guide’ but I am not sure how it works.
The combined compound is open 8.30am to 3.30pm everyday. Cost is 200B.
Chao Praya River
Bangkok is aptly called the Venice of the east. Chao Praya River is an important mode of transport for the people. You can go on a ‘romantic’ boat cruise n those canals. Should not cost you more than 600-700 Baht for an hour’s cruise. Since we were two guys, we just decided to take the cheaper option to experience the boat ride – local shuttle boat costing us not more than 25 Baht. We stopped at some godforsaken place. We sat at the tab
We had a nice evening on one of the river-side restaurants. Splendid place!
Check some cruises here http://www.bangkok.com/river-cruises/
