Joanna James
The beauty of Bangkok is that is truly a modern city that has melded into the history of its past. The soaring skylines are what many see at a glance but on the streets are ancient temples that hold great cultural value. Enjoy the many facets of Bangkok that lie in wait!
When visiting the Grand Palace, dress modestly, which means covering your arms and legs and avoiding revealing clothing. The stately palace, which was built in 1782 and is still used for important ceremonies and hosting heads of state, has been the royal residence for decades.
This should be your only visit to a significant historical tourist landmark in Bangkok. The royal compound stands up to its name, with opulent mansions that would embarrass even the most extravagant modern monarchs. Wat Phra Kaeo, which houses the Jade Buddha, is also located here.
If you are staying at a hotel in Bangkok Sukhumvit such as the Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel, be sure to request some assistance with coordinating transport to and from the Grand Palace.
Wat Pho is right next to the Grand Palace precinct, so if you're up for more walking, it's a great addition to your palace tour. It's the oldest in Bangkok and has been a place of healing for a long time. It was also known for its pharmacy and for being the first "university" in Thailand, both built by King Rama III. You can get a foot massage at the traditional school on the grounds, but the prices are much higher than at massage parlours in other parts of the city.
Today, Wat Pho is best known for the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, where you can see a huge statue that is 45 meters long and 15 meters high. You can only see it in parts. Among the many precious stones inlaid into the soles of her feet are some of the most beautiful. Also, look for long earlobes to show that the person is of noble birth, and the lotus-bud shape of the hand to show purity and beauty.
Wat Arun is a magnificent complex from the time of ancient warfare between Siam and Burma. Ayutthaya was razed by the Burmese, but the survivors pledged to march "until the sun rose again" and erect a temple here. That temple was Wat Arun, the Dawn Temple. The new monarch erected his royal palace and a private chapel there.
This attraction's uniqueness is due to pure chance. The East Asiatic Company bought the temple's land in the 1950s. A plaster Buddha statue was required to be removed as part of the sale, but it was too heavy for the crane. The cable parted and the figure plummeted, leaving it there overnight. The next morning, some monks passing by detected a gleam. The coating was removed to expose a 3.5-meter gold Buddha.
Wat Suthat is one of Bangkok's oldest and most magnificent Buddhist temples, located next to the Great Swing. It was built by three kings: Rama, I started it soon after his coronation in 1782, Rama II continued it, and Rama III finished it 10 years later.
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