Sawasdee Bangkok!

Bangkok Part 1: The Grand Palace

Our ship docked in the port of Laem Chabang. About 2 hours away from Bangkok and 45 minutes away from Pattaya. We had two days to spare there so we decided to travel to the farthest place first and then come back at night, book a hotel and party the night away in the Pattaya district. We were lucky there's a lot of us in our group so we just split the $150 van rental amongst us and I think I just paid less than 15 bucks for the day trip. You should be aware though that you need to bring extra money for souvenirs, food, entrance tickets etc.

First stop, the magnificent Grand Palace!

Welcome to the Grand Palace!

Grand Palace in Bangkok (√)

If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. *

Restoration going on.

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.*

Ministry Buliding

Thai Guard.

Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand, and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.*

Wat Phra Kaew.

Temple ornaments. Wow.

Buddha Bless You.

Devotees.

Rituals

Some kind of Reflection..

Important Note:

A strict dress code applies. The Grand Palace with The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand's most sacred site. Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops. If you're wearing sandals or flip-flops you must wear socks (in other words, no bare feet.) Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes to cover you up properly (a deposit is required).*

The Neptunes. Pants for rent are also available in purple color. LOL.

*courtesy Asia Web Direct