Out and About on the Chao Phraya River Bangkok

-The Grand Palace ( Wat Pro Kaew)

-Wat Arun

-Wat Pho.

The weather remains extrem,Ely hot with maximum temperatures of 37-38C and humidity of 95% but apart from a morning shower it has been dry. No thunder storms or drenching. After our prior day walking and riding ferries on a regular basis Jeanette decided that she wasn’t up to the walking and stairs.

Ken departed at 9.20am with the aim of reaching the Grand Palace at aboutv 10.15am then choosing a guide for 2 hours to walk through thre large and amazing complex. It goes well he catches a train on the Sky Rain from Chong Nonsi after negotiating the ticket system, but he had coins so was easier. climbed the stairs to the platform and a train arrived almost immediately and he then took 3 stations to Saphan Taksin and then walked the 200 metres, after walking down the 40 stairs, to the Ferry entrance. The queue for tickets for the Chao Praya toursit boats was reasonably short and having paid my Thai Baht 150 , walked to trhe waiting area and fortunately a ferry arrive within 5 minutes.

The Grand Palace is located a short walk from Tha Chang which is the 5th stop from Sathorn, and it is surprising how we have readily gained confidence in riding the ferry, boarding and alighting as all has its own rhythm and schedule, but works well.

Arrival is easy at the ferry terminal and then walk down the road to Gate ! Which has escalators down and under the local major road, then up the other side. Ken is wearing Shorts and joggers, so needs to purchase a pair of the elephant pants. He puts on his new trousers and the look is stunning. Does this quickly for 100 Tania Baht and I am approached by a guide for proposes that he will guide me around for 100 Thai Baht for one hour. His grasp and English is perfect , he has the registered Guides Certificate. We agree 2 hours at 200 Thai Baht and are about to progress to the entrance, but other guides offer to do 2 hours for 150-170 ,but I have made my decision, hand over my money and we proceed. It is an awe inspiring entrance as you see the initial architecture. We then need to queue for a ticket for me to enter at cost of 500 Thai Baht.

The next two hours is simply amazing.

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most famous landmark,known for its stunning beauty, architectural wonders and rich history. It has been the residence for many years of many kings during Rantanakosin period, from the reign of King Rama 1 until the reign of King Rama v5 . Under King Rama 1 the construction of this palace was commenced in 1782.

The Temple of The Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew , was built simultaneously with the Grand Palace. It is the major toursit attraction of this country and is also known for for the stunning beauty and architecture.

Inside beholds the stunning Emerald Buddha Statue , the priceless and precious symbol of Thailand. No photos allowed. I am amazed and in awe.

Yes have been here previously but had forgotten the history and the religious rituals. The magnificent and stunning architecture is difficult to describe. Just as you think you have seen it all you come around aq corner and there is another extravangza of colours and intricate detail. It is hard to fathom how this was all built hundred’s of years ago and remains in stunning condition today.

The time is passing the heat is increasing, I tell my very accomplished guide that I will want to leave after 1 hour 50 minutes. We have walked endlessly through the many walkways and through what we would call small Churches , we also see several groups of monks. All in all a wonderful time, where my masterly guide has led me through the most important areas without necessarily being engaged or consumed by the large crowd. He walks me to the Exit. I thank him and tip him !00 Tai Baht for which he is most grateful. I thought it well earned.

Wat Arun

I then catch the Toursit ferry back to Wat Arun, another major tourist area and marvel at the beauty of the Thai Architecture of the Ayutthaya period of some 300 years ago named the “Temple of the Dawn” and its various structure and religious symbols. I also take a photo of the two guarding statues called “Giant Guardians” which are unique to Wat Arun and they are located at the entrance to the Chapel. These 2 statues are named Sahatsadecha and Tosakan and have stood guard for for a very long time. I also walked around the and discovered the magnificent principle pagoda of Wat Arun, which is a continuing theme of ornate decorations and rising to 81.85 metres. I am speechless. Simply superb.

Wat Pho.

I wanted to go to the Big Buddha at Wat Pho and the easiest way was to go from Wat Arun and take the cross river boat from pier 4 at cost of 4 Thai Baht. This in itself was another learning experience, no change and all processed and on board without any waiting. It turns out that is okay there is a constant fleet of 3 or 4 boats transferring people across the Chao Phraya River. But this works reall well for me.

Then walk from the river a short distance of 100 metres to the entrance to another major religious monument called Wat Phra Chetuphon ( known locally as Wat Pro). This amazing Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed and registered monument . Here you can see the various temples and also the stunning architecture as well as the spectacular reclining Buddha enshrined in the temple. You enter from one end without shoes ( or hats) and you take in the head of the reclining Buddha with the eyes decorated by Pearls. The sleeping and reclining Buddha symbolises the passing into Nirvana. This large Buddha monument is of immense historical significance and is invaluable. You walk the length of the Reclining Buddha which must be something like 50-60 metres, then pass around the feet and walk back up the rear of the body toward the head. The scale is simply amazing, all the time you are walking taking in the amazing gold shining reclining Buddha. I had forgotten the sheer scale and trhe rich colours and pageantry which surrounds this historic national monument. My words are probably not descriptive to any great degree in reflecting the moment.

I then walk through the many passages and temples and take in the many other historical sights and temples. An amazing experience. Hope the photos do it justice.

Tuk Tuk ride- Another experience!!

At this time I am very tired and the heat is unbearable, but I decide to Catch a Tuk Tuk to Phra Arthit and see some of the modern Condominiums and other eating places. I decide against going to China town. Then at Phra Arthit, wait whilst enjoying a cold drink for the Tourist boat. It comes after about 20 minutes, I must have just missed the prior boat, I have enjoyed the drink out on a waterside restaurant with the strong breeze providing relief.

The Tuk Tuk driver was idiotic but it filled in another gap. Wanted to ride one this time after the joy of prior visits to Bangkok.

It was now 3.40pm, Ken was hot and flustered despite the cooling breeze from the river. The Toursit book comes and this is easy, just board and go the whole length to Sathorn, where I then connect with the SkyTrain. During the trip the ticket collector / checker thinks I should go to Asiatique for some lively entertainment and more restaurants. I laugh with her , but say I want to go back for aq cold shower and long cold drink.

The SkyTrain still involves walk-in g up 40 stairs at the Sathorn end, but that is okay, but at Chong Nonsi manage to find a lift, which takes me down one level then I can walk along the extended ramp and only have the one lot of 35 stairs from the extended roofed station ramp to the road level. Then it is only 300 metres to our condo building. The guard has got to know me.

Home at 4.45pm a long but really enjoyable day, yes with a hot red face. But just Great!!!!

Then a long cold and hot shower, to ease the aches and pains. Quite simply at our age we can no longer do what we would previously do.

Dinner tonight at Sara Jane’s Restaurant which has two areas, one being the outside open seating in traditional Thai style or in air conditioned comfort serving a mix of Thai and International food. We choose the inside aspire-conditioned and enjoy a wonderful meal a combination of Thai and normal. A large Singha , The Original Thai Beer, hit the right spot.

Sarah Jane’s restaurant is a Thai favourite for locals outside and foreigners inside and serves great food.

The bill for 3 courses each plus drinks was Thai Baht 1,157 which I increased to 1,300 and still felt we had been well looked after. That translates to about AUD$57.

We walked home to the condo, in the heat, and were inside our front door at 8.50pm.

This has been a terrific day. We have enjoyed our stay here in Bangkok.

Everything has worked very well.