Vacation CheckList: Grand Palace Bangkok, Thailand

Temple Run

We rode the taxi going to the Grand Palace located at Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin). Taxi from Pratunam Market to Grand Palace Gate (meter taxi):50 baht.

From the moment we stepped inside the gate the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or the Wat Phra Kaew viewed from the Outer Court of Grand Palace welcomed us with its magnificence.

Coincidentally it was a holiday and people were everywhere, it was like a midnight sale at a supermarket. Families from all parts of the world were there, tour guides shouting and trying keep everyone in the group close as possible; reminding them at the same time to always look for the group’s banner. One group caught my eye instead of bringing the usual flag or a neon umbrella, they have this teddy bear up there, and I bet Mr. Bean would be so devastated to see his friend up there. Even the trash bin looks nice so feel free to throw your rubbish and maintain cleanliness.

We headed to the main entrance at the Phimanchaisri Gate to buy our tickets that will lead us to the Middle Court of the Grand Palace Complex.

Opening hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Entrance Fee: 500 baht

Funny thing is the title "temple run" really suits this post considering it was really hot and we were running from one shade to another. These are the attractions inside Wat Phra Kaew Area:

Hor Phra Rajphongsanusorn or the Ordination Hall designed with high pillars that seemed to touch the sky at Wat Phra Kaew.

A few steps away the mouth watering golden ice cream cone in-my-eyes-like temple of Phra Sri Ratana Chedi or Golden Stupa. A bell-like structure covered with foil of gold at Wat Phra Kaew. The colors of the temple were radiant against the blazing sun, and seeing the serene Lotus Flower along the stairs was refreshing for my strained eyes.

The Prangs looked like pale jade towers and I've also spotted some statues surrounding the temple area of the Emerald Buddha.

The Guardian Statues encircle the Base of a Gold Chedi at Wat Phra Kaew. A famous temple Phra Sri Ratana Chedi covered with foil gold in the inner Grand Palace, and beside the Gold Chedi is the Ornate Hall.

Buddhist Temple of Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Middle Court: The throne hall of Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat was on sight. Meanwhile, the temple with green roofs is the Phra Tinang Aporn Phimok Prasat Pavilion in the Grand Palace in Bangkok - Dusit Maha Prasat Hall

Gate: Phra Thinang Boromphiman, this not open to the public for this where the Royal Family lives. A few steps away was an oasis overflowing with chocolate flavor, it's a great thing they sell drinks at the end of the temple tour. We bought chocolate drinks at the royal booth for 45 baht ; I heard they also served this to royals and I wondered if it's true.

One of the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group, the Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, a structure with a European twist that made it look like you're in Europe. It is also the Royal's reception hall for important events.

Our grand palace tour has ended in mind blowing intricate hand-made artworks, shimmering varieties of golden temples and along with the blazing sun was overwhelming. It clearly shows how the people of Thailand are exceptionally creative and hardworking.