A Visit in Bang Pa – In Summer Palace

The old city of Ayutthaya has been a very important part of the history of the Kingdom of Thailand. It has been named as the capital during the old days of Siam. Since it has been considered as a historical spot in the country, then there are a lot of features that a traveler would see in this place.

I’ve already shown the old temples in Ayutthaya and now, I’ll take you to the grandiose side of the province. Just few miles away from those temples is a district famous for its magnificent buildings. Located in Bang Pa-In District is the Summer Palace of the Royal Family of Thailand. They spent their holidays, special gatherings or celebrations and when they have VIP guests, they will bring them here. As I walked thru the gates of Bang Pa-In Palace, an entrance fee is needed and visitors should dress up politely. But not to worry if you forgot to bring some decent clothes since they will provide you for free, just make sure to return it after. I was tied up with a tour package so, I don’t have to pay for the admission ticket. Then, they handed us a booklet. It was eventually the map of the entire palace. It was wide and will take an hour or two to explore. The tour guide told us we can rent the golf cart since it requires hours of walking if you want to see the entire palace premises. But I insisted to do it by foot. So, I started exploring Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.

First, I got to Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat. This is a small stone structure in the form of a Khmer-style dedicated to the king of Ayutthaya.

Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat

I just spent a minute there and headed to the next attraction which was the centerpiece and the most photograph place of the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.

I was standing in Gra-Jom Tae, well, there was nothing written about it historically. But as I’ve seen it, it was like a vantage point to see the amazing view of the main attraction of the Summer Palace which were the Phra Thinang Aisawan Thiphya-Art and Tevaraj-Kanlai Gate. It was magnificent like it was floating on the water, showing the reflection as well.

Phra Thinang Aisawan Thiphya-Art and Tevaraj-Kanlai Gate

Here are other photos I snapped while I was strolling the palace grounds.

Doll’s Bridge

Ho Withun Thasana

Ho Withun Thasana was built as an observatory with a purpose as a lookout tower for viewing the surrounding countryside.

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun’s ground floor with the Chinese-style throne

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun or translated in English as the Royal Residence of Heavenly Light is a Chinese-styled two storey mansion. In the ground floor, you can see a Chinese-style throne while on the upper storey houses an altar of King Mongkul and King Chulalongkorn with their queens as stated and written on the guidebook that was given to all tourists upon entering the palace.

The Mansion of Her Majesty Queen Sukhumala Marasri

The rest after that point were mansions and memorial statues of the Queens, others were gates and houses. The mansions were really built to fit for a royalty. I didn’t have time to take some pictures since I was in awe and I felt like I was in a kingdom in a faraway land.

Passing every mansions, memorial statues, gates, and bridges, I can’t helped but notice how the people were able to keep it green. The entire palace grounds was landscaped well and it was  really amazing.

So far, my experience visiting the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace was great. Sure it was a feast to my eyes. Though, it may be short but it was memorable.

 

The Historical City of Ayutthaya

On the third day of my Thailand adventure, I was scheduled to head to a city full of history. It is the historical city of Ayutthaya. Located in the northern part of Bangkok City, Ayutthaya has been famous to all tourists with its unique antiquity. It has been established more than 100 years. It is rich in culture, history and drama. It is also one of the most important sites of the Kingdom of Thailand.

I have booked a tour package thru bangkok.com, check their site by clicking here. They have a lot of tour packages to offer covering almost all provinces of the whole country of Thailand. I chose the Ayutthaya and Bang Pa- In Summer Palace because I wanted to know more about the history of the country. It has been also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I made a reservation online and paid thru credit card for 1,050 THB/ Thailand Baht per person. The itinerary goes like this:

The tour package includes a pick-up service from your hotel. Since I was in Sukhumvit area and a little bit far, so, I have decided to give another place for pick-up. My hotel was near DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Hence, they took hold of me there. It was around 0630H when the tour service arrived. Other tour participants were also being gathered at different hotels within the city. When everyone was all in the van, we went to the terminal of the tour agency which was in Khaosan Road. I was expecting those people inside the van will be my travel buddies but it wasn’t the case. There were more travelers outside and the staff from the tour agency separated everyone according to the package we purchased. I went to the van for Ayutthaya and they gave me a color sticker of yellow and blue and placed it on my shirt. When the group was ready, we left the capital by 0800H.

We traveled all the way to Ayutthaya which is known as the second capital of Siam and has been famous with ancient temples and ruins. It was about an hour and a half trip and we got there around 0930H. The tour guide introduced herself. Her name is Pha, nevermind the whole name coz it’s long. We went out of the van and there was another group who joined us. Our first stop was at the temple called Wat Phu Khao Thong.

Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive white-grey landmark in the province of Ayutthaya. In English, it is a Monastery of the Golden Mount. This landmark has been known as one of the highest chedis in northeastern part of Ayutthaya. If you haven’t known, Ayutthaya has been one of the capitals of the Kingdom of Thailand. The country’s capital has been moved four times due to war, flood, fire, and rebellion as what the tour guide told us. We were given 45 mins to wander around. We were allowed also to get to the top view deck of the wat to get a panoramic view of the place.

Wat Phu Khao Thong

Notice to Tourists

View of the temple on top the Wat Phu Khao Thong

The Statue of King Naresuan

HIghest Chedi

Chedis near the monks house

Buddha statues

View on top of Wat Phu Khao Thong

After Wat Phu Khao Thong, we went to another historical place.  It took about 15 minutes to get there. We arrived in Wat Lokaya Sutha.

Wat Lokaya Sutha was once a massive temple complex but sad to say that all we can see were piles of rubble and ruins. But what made it worth visiting is the largest reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya which is at eight metres high and 42 metres long, lying in an open field. The difference between this reclining Buddha to that of Bangkok’s in Wat Pho is that the Buddha in Ayutthaya is sleeping. While in Wat Pho, the Buddha is about to enter nirvana.

The Reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya

Reclining Buddha at peace

Wat Lokayasutha Information

Reclining Buddha

Notice to Tourists

The Feet of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Lokayasutha Ruins

Reminders before taking Photos

The View

Ruins

Wat Lokayasutha Prang

At 1100H, we went to another historical site. We got to  Wat Maha That just half an hour. The tour guide told us the story behind Wat Maha That. The story of the touristic highlight of the monastery which is the head of Buddha wrapped on roots of a tree. She also told us the do’s and don’t’s in taking pictures with the image of Buddha and that everyone should pay respect.

Wat Maha That or in English, the Monastery of the Great Relic is one of the most important monasteries of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It is considered a religious centre since it has relics of the Buddha. In the past, Wat Maha That has been the venue for important royal ceremonies.

What you will see upon entering Wat Maha That

Head of Buddha

Reminder to Tourists

Wat Maha That

Wat Maha That grounds

Wat Maha That near the line of Buddha statues

 

After Wat Maha That, we went in a local restaurant which was arranged already by the tour guide. In this restaurant, we were given an hour to have lunch and enjoy Thai home cooked foods which to my surprise were not spicy.

An hour after, we were called and headed to the next destination which is Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is also one of the most important historical sites of the Ayutthaya period. This is used to be the model of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

The Three Chedis where the ashes of the late Kings of Thailand were placed

Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple grounds

When touring Wat Phra Si Sanphet, you just imagine the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. For those attractions in the capital city were taken from this temple in Ayutthaya. It took us about 30 to 45 mins to wander around the temple grounds after the tour guide gave us some little history about the place. Those 3 tallest chedis will catch your attention right after you enter the ruins. According to the tour guide, the ashes of the Kings of Thailand were placed on top of those chedis and every chedis around the grounds were the family members of the royal family. Thus, it is considered important and every people should show respect when in vicinity.

Right after visiting those temples, we then headed to the last destination and attraction in Ayutthaya. And that was the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace which I will talk about in my next post.

Note:

The tour package includes,

• Pick up and drop off at your hotel downtown Bangkok
• Transportation in A/C vehicle
• English-speaking guide
• Lunch
• Entrance fees
• Travel insurance

The Longest City Name in the World or Simply Call it, Bangkok

It has been listed in Guinness Book of World Records as the longest place name in the world with its full name,

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit

or in Thai,

กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบูรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์

In English, it means,

“The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.”

It may have the longest city name in the world but we simply call it, BANGKOK. Bangkok is the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand and is the largest city in the country. It is vibrant, and the most visited city.

I’ve got the chance to explore this city since I have listed this country as one of the countries I would love to visit. Its written at no. 5.

List of Countries that I Would Love to Visit

I arrived in the Kingdom of Thailand thru the Aranyaprathet point of entry by crossing the border from Poipet, Cambodia. The bus ride was tiring but it was totally worth it. Almost everything was great and amazing. All I can say is I like the city as a first impression and based on what I have experienced on my first day and night in Bangkok, it sure is a great city to explore and live. On my first night, I had a ride on the BTS or Skytrain from Phrom Phong station going to Siam station interchanged to Silom line to get to the National Stadium. In the National Stadium, I hailed a tuktuk which was different from what I  saw in Cambodia. Here, the tuktuk is a well-powered vehicle. It even ran faster than a car. Thru tuktuk, I got to Khaosan Road which is famous backpacker ghetto. During nighttime, the streets turned into bars and music played loud, food vendors sold barbecued insects and exotic snacks for tourists. Here, you can find a lot of travelers. You can see them drinking, merrymaking, story telling, dancing, eating, partying and all. It was just wild but very enjoyable. I went there just to dine in and try some Thai cuisine. As what I have mentioned from my previous post, I went to Tom Yung Kung Restaurant and I never had the guts to try those creepy scorpions, crickets, spiders and other insects to eat. Not even if I were offered a hundred dollar to taste it. Just leave it to the food addicts.

Skytrain ticket

My first BTS ride

Khaosan Road during night

Tom Yung Kung Restaurant

Tom Yung, a Thai cuisine

After I had my dinner, I went back to the hotel to have a good sleep. When the sun came up, I was greeted with this astounding view from the balcony of my condominium room which was at 43rd floor.

Bangkok skyline

Then after freshening up, I went down to have some breakfast at YOLO cafe which was just few minutes away from the hotel. What better to start the day than having a heavy breakfast of bacon, sausage and eggs sandwich with some orange juice.

Wall painting at YOLO cafe

YOLO cafe

YOLO cafe

Bacon, Sausage and Eggs sandwich

When I had a full stomach, the day of touring Thailand started. First on the itinerary was the Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha. Getting there, I passed by Democracy Monument.

Democracy Monument

Night view

Democracy Monument is a public monument in the centre of Bangkok. It is erected in a traffic circle in Ratchademnoen Klang road. It used to commemorate the Siamese coup d’etat when Thailand was still known as the Kingdom of Siam from a constitutional monarchy.

We also passed by a religious centre, San Lak Mueang. It is also called as the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine.

Bangkok City Pillar Shrine

San Lak Mueang (Bangkok City Pillar Shrine)

Random shot near Bangkok City Pillar Shrine

Random shot near Bangkok City Pillar Shrine

Bangkok City Pillar Shrine is one of the most ancient, sacred, and magnificent pillar shrines in Thailand. It was believed that people who took a bow and paid their respects at this sacred place would achieve prosperity and fulfillment in their career, avoid misfortune, and improve their luck, power, and prestige. The shrine is in the heart of Bangkok, just opposite the Grand Palace and close to the Ministry of Defense.

Just few metres away from this shrine is the famous tourist attraction in Bangkok, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Though there is an admission fee but it’s worth the money. You need to pay 500 THB (Thailand Baht) per person and it is open everyday from 0830H to 1530H except if it used for special occasions. It may sound expensive but along with the ticket for the Grand Palace and the temple, it also includes entrance ticket to Vimanmek Mansion Museum and the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins. Oops, I forgot to inform that there is a strict dress code for visiting the Grand Palace. Since the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand’s most sacred site. Visitors and tourists alike must dress properly before being allowed entry in the temple. Males must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves and no tank tops. If you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops, you must wear socks, in other words, no bare feet. Women must be dressed properly as well. No see-through clothes, sleeveless and the like. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance gate that can provide clothes to cover you up properly. It’s just that you must leave your passport or credit card as security.

View outside the gate

Too much tourists again in the Outer Court

Instructions with regard to the tickets

Entrance Ticket for Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew and Vimanmek Mansion Museum

Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins ticket

Entrance Gate to Grand Palace

1 ticket = 1 guidebook

I took a guidebook or a tourist map of the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. But I forgot to bring it with me. I left it in the hotel and never saw it again. Anyway, I will just post the pictures I got and label those if I can still remember the name of the buildings.

Welcoming View of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Amazing intricate details

Directions

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Guardians of the Temple is what I called them

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha as what I have mentioned is regarded as the most sacred temple in the Kingdom of Thailand. I have read that the Emerald Buddha will bring prosperity and has been named as the protector of the country. Fact is the Emerald Buddha is not made of emerald gemstone, it is made up of jade but since it has the same color as the emerald. Then, it kept its name as an Emerald Buddha.

Wall Paintings

Grand Palace

Changing of Guards

Meanwhile the Grand Palace is a complex of buildings with its awesome design. Its grandiose exterior will leave you in awe. I am not sure if the king lives here but I can see that it was heavily guarded. It also has lawns and courtyards and even a museum at the lower ground. It sure was a great place to take some photos.

It was scorching hot but I never stop from wandering around the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In fact, after I was done there. I walked all the way to Wat Pho and passed by Ministry of Defense.

Ministry of Defense

Few minutes later with my shirt almost soaked with sweat, I got to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho. Admission fee is for 100THB (Thailand Baht). The temple opens from 0830H to 1830H daily. Visitors are requested to be dressed properly and appropriately upon entering. They should also pay respect and are requested not to destroy historical place and ambience as what the back side of the ticket instructs.

Admission ticket

Reminders to Tourists

Wat Pho

Stunning Scenery

Wat Pho grounds

Wonderful Wat Pho

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho

Manmade waterfall in Wat Pho

Well, Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimonmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn or in short Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. It is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok city. Sadly, I didn’t spend more time in this temple since I had an emergency and I needed to come back to the hotel right away. The reason that I never got the chance to take pictures of the reclining Buddha and have some Thai massage. Yet anyway, I still enjoyed looking at the many stupas in Wat Pho grounds.

As a summary, a day has finished touring the capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand. It was interesting, educating, and I can say that the longest city name in the world has never failed to amaze me and I felt like, I simply love Bangkok. I wouldn’t doubt that one of these days, I’ll be coming back there.

Affordable Condominium in Sukhumvit Area in Bangkok City

Traveling from afar for a long time makes a person weary. To rejuvenate, a person needs to rest and relax in a comfortable bed with nothing to think and worry about. I always have been in that situation when I travel. The long hours of sitting and thinking about what I need to do when I get there. But somehow I’ve enjoyed it as well. Seeing the world while it’s moving, people doing their everyday routines and meeting new individuals are the rewards I get in return from traveling by land.

I had an adventure from crossing borders from Cambodia to Thailand. It took about 8 hours and a half to get to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. I arrived in Bangkok City at 1630H. Good thing, I had a hotel reservation. The hotel was far from the northern bus terminal since it is in Sukhumvit area, one of the busiest places in Bangkok. Thus, I hailed a taxi to get to the hotel I booked. I knew that it is near the Philippine Embassy. It is also near BTS/ Skytrain stations, just few metres from Phrom Phong and Thong Lo station.

Signage to the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines

Republic of the Philippines

Location

I made a reservation in Waterford Diamond Tower which is situated in Sukhumvit Soi 30/1 and based on the reviews, the hotel received a good feedback. The main reason that I chose this hotel. When I got there, I went directly to the reception area. I talked to Jake who is a Filipino and he asked me if I booked a two-bedroom junior suite. He only needed my passport as proof of identification. The check-in procedure took about 5 minutes. I just waited in the lobby.

Snack Counter in the Lobby

The Lobby

The Lobby

Design of Waterford Diamond Tower

After he was done with the check-in process, he explained everything about how to access wi-fi, he gave me a temporary club member card to use the health fitness facilities, instructions what floor the facilities were, and access card to my room.

Wi-fi Internet Details

One good thing about Waterford Diamond Tower is, it is a modern hotel were only occupants can get through. You need access card to tap it in the elevator scanner and it will direct you to what floor you’re staying. The elevator doesn’t work if you don’t have the access card. So, when it comes to security, it is top-notch.

The Lift with Access Card Scanner

43rd Floor

My accommodation was at the 43rd floor with balcony. When I got inside the suite, I was amazed. I had everything I need. The junior suite has a living room with television. It has a kitchen but no cooking materials. It also has a dining table with eating utensils. It has 2 rooms; a master’s bedroom and another ordinary bedroom. In the master’s bedroom, it has its own toilet and bath with bathtub. There’s also another toilet and bath with bathtub outside, near the other bedroom. But what pleased me more was the view outside the balcony. I can see Bangkok skyline and it just made my day.

Living Room

Sofa

With oven toaster and electric stove

Dining table

Master’s bedroom

Master’s bedroom toilet and bath

Room

Small Room

Toilet and Bath

Balcony

Balcony View

Bangkok skyline

Well, it appeared to me that I was staying in a condominium/ hotel. Here also in Waterford Diamond Tower, it has 2 swimming pools. One indoor which is in 34th floor and the outdoor pool with the fitness gym in 14th floor. It doesn’t have a restaurant though but it is near restaurants and cafes outside the hotel. It has 24-hour security guards on duty and housekeeping cleans the room, provides new towels and refills toiletries everyday.

Toiletries and some towels

In Waterford Diamond Tower, it made my stay more comfortable that I never want to leave. This place has been my sanctuary for 5 days while I was in Bangkok City. And when it came down to paying the bill. I paid 4,676.10 THB (Thailand Baht) for 4 nights. I was thinking it was expensive yet upon enumerating all those facilities they have, I thought it was worth the cash I spent. I will surely recommend it to my friends who are planning to visit Bangkok. It was definitely an affordable condominium in Sukhumvit area in Bangkok City.

If you want to contact them, here are the details.

Contact Card