Wat Arun and the Grand Palace Bangkok
Bangkok's two famous places to visit are located on opposite sides of the river.
Wat Arun, which means Temple of Dawn, was built in the 17th century. The reason why the names of the temples you will see in Thailand always start with Wat is that Wat means Buddhist temple in Thai. (92% of Thailand's population is Buddhist). The difference between Wat Arun and other temples is that Wat Arun is completely covered with ceramics and porcelain.
The Grand Palace is located on the opposite side of the river. This complex has hosted the entire Kingdom of Siam since the 12th century. When you enter, you begin to move among domes and courtyards that seem endless, like doors opening one after another. There are many different decorations and architectural styles. The gold-colored domes and columns attract sunlight and look even brighter than they are. Because they are asymmetrical, you see diagonally from one dome to the other, creating a perspective of shining mounds extending one after the other. Wat Pho, located inside the Grand Palace, is one of the most important places to visit in Buddhism. Wat Pho is the name of the monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived. Wat Pho, Reclining Buddha, is a surprisingly large, peaceful Buddha statue lying down, leaning his head on his right hand, with a smiling face. There is a reason for the peace on his face, because it describes the day when he is believed to have attained Parinirvana. Mahayana Buddhists commemorate this day in February as the day when Buddha last reached nirvana and died, never to come to earth again, and they meditate to think about their own future deaths.
To go to Wat Arun:
Get off the BTS train at Saphan Taksim stop, exit at exit 2, and go down to the riverside.
Board the Chao Phraya Express boat, get off at Tha Tien Pier, and board the Cross River Ferry.
Open every day between 08.00 and 18.00 (except national holidays).
To go to the Grand Palace:
Get off the BTS train at Saphan Taksim stop, exit at exit 2, and go down to the riverside.
Take the Chao Phraya Express boat, get off at Ta Chang Pier (no. 9), and walk for 10 minutes, following the sign for Gran Palace.
Open every day between 08.30 and 15.30 (except national holidays), the entrance fee is 500 baht.
