Bangkok, Thailand: Best Places To Visit
The best places to visit in Bangkok, Thailand. We visited the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha. I’m a fan of public transportation in Thailand. We took the SkyTrain and Ferry Boats to these two destinations. We took the blue ferry boat which was about 50 BAHT (usually 40 BAHT). This is the ferry boat that tourists take it’s slower, more expensive but more scenic. If you want the true local experience take the orange ferry boat with the orange flag. This one is 15 BAHT. You pay on board and it is faster.
THA MAHARAJ
The blue ferry dropped us off at Tha Maharaj. A cute outdoor shopping area. It was the perfect rest spot to get rest in an air-conditioned Starbucks. I also grabbed some yummy Milk Tea Grass Jelly. This shopping area was so nice we ended up coming back later to grab dinner.
DRESS CODE FOR TEMPLES IN THAILAND
I had read about dress codes for the Grand Palace. I read that wearing a scarf over a tank top would be fine. IT WASN’T. The guards told me I would need to buy a t-shirt from the gift shop. I ended up going back outside and buying a shirt from the vendors outside. This option was cheaper and I ended up with something I like. The shirts in the palace gift shop are ugly (IMO) and overpriced. The gift shop shirts were 300 BAHT I ended up getting a cute shirt outside for 100 BAHT.
Follow the dress code. Make sure to wear closed toe shoes. Cover your knees and your shoulders. Nothing too skin tight. I had on leggings but I made a skirt with my sarong in case. If you want to walk within certain areas you’ll have to take your shoes off.
THE GRAND PALACE
If you only see one Temple while in Thailand. The Grand Palace is it. It covers everything. It’s huge, beautiful and crowded. Leading up to the Grand Palace you will have a lot of people try to scam you. Be aware and keep focused on getting where you need to go. We ALMOST got scammed but we keep our intuition on point. For access to The Grand Palace, you have to get a ticket. It was about 500 BAHT. The Grand Palace itself is beautiful - gold, sparkly and exquisite.
Reclining Buddha
From the Grand Palace, the Reclining Buddha is walking distance. I repeat it’s walking distance. If someone says it’s closed they’re lying to you. In fact, it’s so close by, check for yourself before trusting some random person.
I enjoyed reclining Buddha a bit more. It was less crowded but also I was in awe of its size. It’s very cool to see in person.
My trip wasn't long enough to visit more temples. But I’m glad I was able to visit the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha. That was enough for me. Since I’m not into being in the tourist filled crowds.
TIFFY’S TRAVEL TIPS
If you want to get to the places faster and cheaper take the Orange ferry boat for 15 BAHT. It’s fast though so you might have to jump on or off to your destination. You pay on the boat. The blue ferry boat is more of a tourist trap and slower. Less crowded though.
There are a lot of scammers and taxis with not meters around The Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha. Some of them even wear uniforms. Be aware!
If you don’t want to wear your temple outfit because of the heat pack an outfit you can throw on when you get there.
If you see the Grand Palace walk over and see Reclining Buddha. Best to get both out of the way, the same day.
Tha Maharaj (Bangkok) is a great little shopping area. If you need a break with restaurants that have A/C. Also not too crowded and has some good photo opportunities.
