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Gilded Splendor and Sacred Reverence: A Stroll Through The Grand Palace and The Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew)

Chedi: Bell-shaped structure or monument housing sacred relics associated with the Buddha

Prang:  A tower-like spire, usually richly carved

Standing as a pinnacle of sacred reverence, The Grand Palace and The Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew) unfold as the holiest Buddhist sanctuary in Thailand. Once the regal abode of Thai monarchs, today it stands as an indispensable gem on the map of Bangkok’s cultural treasures.

Armed with insights from my Lonely Planet guide and thorough online research, I strategically booked my stay in the Rattanakosin area, the gateway to this spectacular monument. The allure of The Grand Palace extends beyond its spiritual significance; it serves as a testament to Thailand’s royal history. Ensuring that every detail aligned with the sacred atmosphere, I adhered diligently to the strict dress code of long sleeves and trousers or a below-the-knee skirt that was

Navigating my way from the hotel to the main entrance of The Grand Palace took a leisurely 15 minutes, although a brief detour back to retrieve my passport became necessary, mandatory for one of the security checks preceding the entrance. Upon reaching the anticipated entrance, the scene unfolded as expected, with a bustling crowd, particularly vast groups diligently following their tour guides, a sight I recognized from my own guided tours.

The entrance fee aligned with my expectations at 500 baht (£12 or COP 42,000). Opting for an additional layer of insight, I decided to rent an audio guide for an extra 200 baht (£4.70 or COP 17,000), with the cautionary note that it was valid for only an hour and a half. An interesting condition, given that exceeding the time limit would entail another 200 baht charge. As a security measure, I left my passport in custody to ensure my return.

Guided by a provided map, my exploration of The Grand Palace commenced with the captivating sight of The Hermit Doctor. From there, I ventured into the temple’s gallery, a treasure trove boasting an astounding 178 murals. Their artistic brilliance was nothing short of spectacular. The journey continued through a series of buildings adorned with gold mosaic relics of Buddha, each structure weaving its own narrative of cultural richness and spiritual grandeur.

The entirety of the complex is undeniably magnificent. Despite the sweltering heat, a factor that typically troubles me, on this particular day, I found myself so engrossed in the marvels around me that the weather seemed inconsequential. Amidst the grandeur, I encountered a model of Angkor Wat, intensifying my anticipation for the day when I can witness the real wonder. Additionally, I strolled through the two chedis, each enveloped by a multitude of mythical creatures, adding to the enchantment of the surroundings

The presence of eight prangs, symbolising the eight Buddhist precepts, added a profound layer of meaning to the landscape. Positioned strategically in front of the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, I discovered the perfect vantage point to capture the essence of these structures in a photograph. Upon entering the Royal Chapel, a moment of reverence unfolded as I removed my shoes, revealing an intricately crafted shrine surrounded by murals and featuring a small yet profoundly revered Emerald Buddha statue made of Jade, standing at a mere 66 centimetres. Despite its modest size, this statue holds unparalleled significance as the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Witnessing it in person was a truly special moment.

As I continued my exploration, aware that my allocated one and a half hour had already elapsed, I meandered through various statues and buildings, each with its unique charm. Although the sheer number defies a comprehensive description here, the overall experience was unquestionably worth the visit. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in Bangkok: it’s a must-see!. Allocate at least three hours for a leisurely stroll, allowing time for unhurried appreciation. Keep in mind the soaring temperatures, around 35 degrees Celsius at this time of year, making a hat and ample water essential companions for the journey.

Upon returning the audio guide, I was pleasantly surprised to find no additional charges for exceeding the allotted time.

Exiting the palace, I was greeted by a myriad of dining options, ranging from restaurants to bustling street vendors, I opted for the latter, savouring the authentic flavours of the streets. A noteworthy discovery in Bangkok is the need to be prepared for sudden weather changes. Shortly after departing the palace, an unexpected turn of events unfolded as the heavens opened up in the most colossal downpour. Attempting to hasten my pace toward the hotel, my efforts were in vain, and by the time I completed the journey, I found myself thoroughly drenched by the relentless rain.

Wat Pho: Unveiling the Splendor of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Stepping into Wat Pho, the entrance fee of 100 baht (£2.40 or COP 8,500) granted me access to a serene oasis, far less crowded than its grand counterpart, the Grand Palace. This temple, however, held its own allure, with a notable highlight being the city’s largest reclining Buddha. Standing at an awe-inspiring 46 meters in length and 16 meters in height, the sheer magnitude of this majestic structure left me truly stunned. Despite ongoing maintenance on the Buddha’s feet, a portion is still unveiled, presenting a spectacle of grandeur that was nothing short of spectacular.

Renowned not only for the colossal Reclining Buddha but also as the guardian of Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images, Wat Pho unfolded as a captivating tapestry of spiritual richness. I immersed myself in the intricate details of this breathtaking structure, dedicating around two hours to wander and truly appreciate the wonders it housed. The time spent allowed for capturing some remarkable shots, making it a highly recommended visit, conveniently close to the Grand Palace, and offering an enriching continuation of the cultural odyssey through Bangkok.

Wat Arun: Embracing the Elegance of the Temple of Dawn

This one, I was so looking forward to visiting. I had seen some videos on youtube, so and I was really looking forward to the climb.

The anticipation was tangible as I approached Wat Arun, a temple that had captured my imagination through videos on YouTube. Eagerly awaiting the climb, I discovered that this iconic site was conveniently located a short distance from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Opting for a unique approach, I arrived at Tien Pier and embarked on a ferry crossing that cost a mere 4 baht, a seemingly trivial expense that left a lasting impression as one of the cheapest things I’ve ever paid for. The lively pier, adorned with food and souvenir vendors, beckoned, and I seized the opportunity to purchase a raincoat for just 50 baht. With a boat bustling with both locals and fellow travellers, the brief journey across the Chao Phraya River provided a scenic prelude to the grandeur awaiting me on the opposite bank.

Entering Wat Arun came at the modest cost of 50 baht (£1.20 or COP 4,250), a testament to the remarkable value this temple offered. My excitement peaked as I approached the imposing structure and sought out the steep stairway on the side of the prang, a feature that had intrigued me in videos. However, disappointment set in as I discovered the climb was closed for renovations, marking a regrettable ☹ turn of events. Despite this unexpected setback, Wat Arun’s grandeur continued to captivate, leaving an indelible impression even without scaling its renowned heights.

The commanding presence of Wat Arun is unmistakable, with its massive main prang standing at over 80 meters in height, accompanied by four smaller prangs that collectively define the temple’s silhouette even from a distance. Widely recognised as “the Temple of Dawn,” Wat Arun holds the prestigious status of being one of the highest-grade Royal Temples, securing its place among Thailand’s most revered and iconic spiritual landmarks.

Erawan Shrine: A Sanctuary of Serenity Amidst the Urban Pulse

Concluding my day of exploration at Wat Arun, I directed my steps toward the Erawan Shrine, a destination inspired by the pages of my Lonely Planet guide. Navigating from Wat Arun to Shri Phraya, I opted for the Chao Phraya Express Boat, a budget-friendly journey costing a mere 15 baht. Upon reaching Shri Phraya, a taxi-meter, priced at 70 baht, swiftly carried me to the sacred grounds of Erawan Shrine, providing a welcome respite as fatigue set in. Once again, my trusty Google Maps app guided me through the urban maze, although it remained oblivious to the intricate web of boat services woven into Bangkok’s transport tapestry.

Taking a seat on a tranquil bench, I indulged in my customary reading routine, observing deeper into the intricacies of my visit to Erawan Shrine. This revered site, known as a famous Hindu Shrine, is home to a statue of Phra Phrom: the Hindu God Brahma.

In a country where Buddhism predominates at 90%, Hinduism finds its place among a minority of practitioners. The serenity of the shrine, punctuated by the gentle hum of worshippers during my visit around 3 pm, offered a unique glimpse into this harmonious coexistence. As my readings unfolded, I discovered that Erawan Shrine was constructed to rectify the bad karma associated with the hotel’s foundation being laid on an inauspicious date. It served as a  reminder of the intricate dance between belief systems and the enduring quest for spiritual balance.

While the visit is pleasant, I would recommend going only if you are in the nearby area or have a particular interest in Hinduism. From my perspective, it didn’t strike me as particularly impressive.

Thanks for reading and have all super happy weekend!

😊 Jenny