Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Exploring The Splendid Splendor Of The Grand Palace And Wat Phra Kaew (Temple Of The Emerald Buddha)

One of the most heralded tourist destinations in Bangkok, Thailand is the Grand Palace. For almost 150 years, the Grand Palace worked as the formal home of the kings, making hundreds of tourists attracted to visit the site. The Grand Palace is also worth-visiting due to its historical structures like the Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

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It was in 1782 when King Rama I made a decision to move in Bangkok, and announced the city as Thailand’s new capital. This ends in the establishment of the Rattanakosin Island in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok, Thailand. The Chao Phraya River, Khlong Ong Ang, and Khlong Bang Lamphu are among the magnificent and beautiful places in Rattanakosin Island. King Rama I was determined to establish a strong defense during his reign; so, he instructed his men to dig canals so moats can be installed all over the city center. The Rattanakosin Island is as well where people can find the Grand Palace complex.

The Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the holiest place of worship for Buddhists in Thailand, however it is famous for its official name, which is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The temple was built in by King Rama I to accommodate the Emerald Buddha after Thailand captured Vientiane in 1778. If you want to visit the Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Thailand, you'll see its amazing view in the Grand Palace complex found nearby Rattanakosin Island.

When journeying in the city of Bangkok, don't be quickly lured by folks who offer tours in the palace. Some of them will say the palace is closed and will offer their very own tour, taking you to the wrong destinations. They're actually more interested in generating income from you and other tourists by taking you to their affiliated shops wherein they'll be given a payment if you buy their products. You must keep in mind that the Grand Palace is only closed when it is used for a state function, which is occasional. If there is no occasion held on the Grand Palace Bangkok, then vacationers are free to have a tour from 8:30AM to 3:30PM daily. Guests could avail a cost-free tour with an English-speaking tour guide. If you do not want to be with a tour guide, then you can simply go for an audio guide which just cost around 100 Baht. As a collateral, the tourists need to give their credit card or passport. Tourists who want to go to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and explore the rest of The Grand Palace would need to pay the entrance fee of 400 Baht.


Men and women from Bangkok have recognized the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as holy sites. Because of this, getting into these buildings would need anyone to follow the dress code imposed. But, there are some vacationers who don't know anything about this policy. If you could provide a credit card or a passport, then you may borrow the right clothes to wear in the booth near the gate. You're as well not permitted to enter the temple without wearing socks. Exposing outfits such as off shoulder blouses and outfits with see through fabrics are not allowed in women. The same degree of decency is expected among male visitors who are required to don shirts with sleeves and long pants. Furthermore, men are not allowed to wear tank tops.

For your leisure, you can sign up for a special tour to Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. If you'd like to reach the Grand Palace by yourself, then just ride the Chao Phraya River Express to get to the Tha Chang Pier. There's an intersection at the pier. Walk straight and take a right turn to find the Grand Palace.

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