ONE DAY TRIP IN BANGKOK
Visiting Bangkok but not sure where to go? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Many of our customers at ThaiSims stay in Thailand for over a week. Their plans, however, are only to spend a day or two in Bangkok and then head south for the beach e.g. Phuket, Krabi, etc. While that’s definitely a good plan, they all having the same question, given the limited time in Bangkok, where should they go in Bangkok? Throughout years of repeated recommendations, we found that there are only few places that our customers mutually agree that are worth their valuable and limited time in Bangkok. So now we create a Bangkok’s one day trip plan and would like to share it to you all. We hope you all enjoy your time in Bangkok. Here is the plan:
1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
This is the grand highlight of Bangkok. They not only have the amazing sceneries, but also represent the core culture of Thailand. The Grand Palace has been the house of the kings of Thailand since 1972. Inside the Grand Palace is divided into 3 parts: The outer court, the middle court, and the inner court. You can enjoy the grand scenery of the Grand Palace in the outer and the middle courts. The inner court is exclusively reserved for the king.
The outer court of the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the temple of Emerald Buddha. Inside Wat Phra Kaew, you wil enjoy the beautiful view of Thai-styled pagodas which are decorated with gold plate and small pieces of colorful mirrors. Make sure you take a close-up look at the pagoda and you will be amazed of the fine arts and decorations. Moreover, inside the main building of Wat Phra Kaew, there is a statue of the Emerald Buddha sitting in the meditating position. The Emerald Buddha is the symbol of Buddhism in Thailand. The uniqueness of Wat Phra Kaew is that only the King of Thailand could hold the ceremony in front of the Emerald Buddha. Moreover, unlike other temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is the only temple in Thailand that there is no monk lived inside. Thai people believe that visiting Wat Phra Kaew will bring good fortune to their lives and families.
The middle court’s highlight is the Throne Hall (Chakri Mahaprasat), which is built in 1876 by the order of King Rama V. The architecture is inspired by European renaissance era. Also, inside the middle court, there are the Royal court and the old administrative seat of government. Now the Grand Palace is still used for royal ceremonies and events every year.
The Grand Palace opens everyday from 8.30am – 3.30pm. The ticket fee is 500 Baht/person (roughly $14 each). The fee includes the access of all areas including Wat Phra Kaew (except the restricted areas.) Most of our customers said the views inside worth more than $14 and this place is definitely worth the fee. In average our customers spend around 2-3 hours visiting this place.
Tips: Visiting the Grand Palace requires proper dress code i.e. no sandals, no sleeveless shirts, no shorts or short skirts. However, you could rent the cloth and wear it over. Some of our customers prefer to rent it and they like the feel of wearing Thai cloth. Thus, at least, just wear the proper shoes and you’re ready to go. 🙂
2. Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon)
Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is one of our customers' most favorite spots. The highlight is the huge 46m golden reclining buddha. Wat Pho is only 10 minutes walk from the Grand Palace. We recommend visiting here after the Grand Palace because doing this you will feel the peaceful and relaxing moment. After facing the big crowd of people inside the Grand Palace, once you walk into Wat Pho you will experience a transition. While Wat Pho is just as popular as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is much more quiet and peaceful. They are like 2 different worlds: The energetic and lively spot vs the calm and peaceful one. Moreover, you could get the traditional Thai massage here at Wat Pho. Wat Pho is also known as the origin of Thai Massage. The entrance fee is 100 baht and it opens from 8am to 5pm daily.
Tips: Don't forget to take your shoes off before enter. Moreover, inside the main hall you will see the long line of black metal bowls sitting along the side of the wall. There exactly 108 bowls in total. You could purchase a small cup of coins and then drop few coins in each bowl one by one. While dropping the coins, walking slowly and feel the slow life and the enchanted ringing sound of the coins falling into the bowl. Thai people believe this will bring you good luck. In addition, the money you purchased the coins will be use to preserve the temple.
3. Museum Siam
This museum tells the story of Thailand since 3,000 years ago until the present day. Museum of Siam is the first discovery museum in Thailand. The museum is fun, engaging and very interactive. Just another 10 minutes walk from Wat Pho, you will experience Thai life in many forms since the old day until the modern day. There are totally 16 rooms. Enjoy taking pictures with Thai toys and street vending carts. The entry fee is 200 Baht but is Free after 4pm.
The Museum Siam opens Tuesday-Sunday from 10am – 6pm. (It closes on Monday)
4. Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha)
Giant Swing or Sao Chingcha is a red wooden swing built in King Rama I period. It has been used as the landmark of Bangkok city center since the old day. The Giant Swing is made of two 21.15 towering red pillars standing on a huge stone. On top of the pillars stood the beautifully carved red frame connects both capitals. Around the Giang Swing area are the historic style buildings. The building style was very popular during the King Rama V reign. You can taste different kinds of local food and desserts along sides of the streets.
5. Khao San Road
After the long day of walking and sightseeing, the last stop of the day will help refreshing your mind and body. It is the famous Khao San Road aka “the center of backpacking universe”. Khao San Road is a 1km long pub and guesthouse street. At Khao San Road you can find almost everything e.g. hotels, bars, restaurants, massage parlors, travel agents, tattoo shops, and much more. One of popular things to do at Khao San Road is to taste the insects. Many of our customers said it tasted not bad, but only once was enough Lol. If you are not insect fans, you may skip this menu and try other delicious food e.g. Pad Thai, grilled seafood, Tomyam, etc.
Tips: If you’re looking for serious food, I personally recommend the Rambuttri alley, which is next to the Khaosan road. While Khao San Road is the street of everything, Rambuttri is street of food. It has more laidback atmosphere than the Khao San Road. Also, if you’re looking to buy t-shirts for yourself or as souvenirs, this is the place for you. Our customers like Singha, Chang or Red bull tees. When you decide to buy, don’t forget to bargain. They won’t give you a deep cut, but just enjoy the bargaining experience. 😉
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