Bangkok Day 2: Temple run at The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun

I carefully planned my daily itinerary for my Bangkok trip because although I wanted it to be a "chill" trip, I was also running on a slightly tight schedule because of my freelance work. I had to be back at the hotel by 5:30PM so I can clock in at 6PM. Remote freelance work sometimes has its own drawbacks, eh? Anyway, my second day in the beautiful city of Bangkok was spent running around from one temple to another. If only I had a lot of time in my hands, I would've been able to visit more so I prioritized three of the most famous temples for now—The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

The Grand Palace

Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200
Opening Hours: 8:30AM - 3:30PM daily
Entrance Fee: THB 500 (non-Thai passport holders)

Entry to The Grand Palace may be quite expensive but I have to say that this must be included in your itinerary if you're touring the city for the first time, like me. The 500 Baht entrance fee is totally worth it because it already includes access to a lot of attractions inside The Grand Palace compound. Tickets can be bought at the entrance gate or you can also buy it online. In my case, I simply bought it at the entrance gate and although there were a lot of tourists around, there was no problem with the queue. I got my ticket in no time.

I also did my research so while I was planning my itinerary, I took note of the dress code, too. I didn't want to be inconvenienced with borrowing or buying a cover-up so I dressed appropriately during my visit. Sleeveless shirts, super crop tops, see-through tops, short pants, ripped pants, tight pants or leggings, bike pants, mini skirts, and pajamas are some of the clothing that are not allowed entry to the palace. The Grand Palace is a place of reverence for the Thai people so it would be best if we respect their recommended dress code.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening Hours: 8AM - 6:30PM daily
Entrance Fee: THB 200 (non-Thai passport holders)

Second stop is the famous Temple of the Reclining Buddha or most commonly known as Wat Pho. Wat Pho is just a 10-minute walk from The Grand Palace and while I did initially plan to walk, the 10AM sunlight was just too intense. I also used it as an excuse to ride a tuktuk. There are a lot of tuktuks waiting outside the compound so I hailed one and told the driver to take me to Wat Pho. He asked for 100 Baht and I did not bother haggling because my sweat was profusely dripping all over my face and body already. It was my one and only tuktuk experience in Bangkok and I have to say that now I understand why they are the infamous kings of the streets. They literally drive like crazy that you really have to hold on for your dear life. It was a nice and fun experience though and I would actually love to ride on a tuktuk again.

Anyway, the tuktuk driver dropped me off at the main entrance gate. I fell in line to get a ticket and paid 200 Baht. Wat Pho is one of the top six famous temples in Thailand and is the oldest temple in the whole of Bangkok. This temple, however, is not just a tourist attraction, but an actual temple where Buddhists practice their religion. But I believe that regardless if it's just a tourist attraction or an actual temple, it is important that you observe proper behavior, follow the recommended dress code, and show respect to other people's beliefs.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600
Opening Hours: 8:30AM - 6PM daily
Entrance Fee: THB 100 (non-Thai passport holders)

After my visit to Wat Pho, I went for a lunch break at a nearby restaurant called Elefin Coffee. I ordered a pad thai and a large cup of iced Thai tea. I took my time at the restaurant so I can give my feet a break from all the walking. I think it was around 1PM when I decided to go to my last temple destination. Thank goodness for the accurate Google Maps directions, it only took me 7 minutes to walk from the restaurant going to the nearest ferry port. I arrived at the Rajinee Ferry Port and bought a ticket to get on the Chao Phraya Express Boat going to Wat Arun. The boat ticket was only 30 Baht. It was my first Chao Phraya Express Boat experience and it was definitely one to remember. The boat ride from Rajinee Ferry Port to Wat Arun took only less than five minutes since Wat Arun was just across and it was actually just the next stop. I got off the boat and was somehow shocked to see so many tourists at that time.

But despite that, the queue for the ticket was not long so I bought mine quickly. The entrance fee of 100 Baht thankfully included a small bottle of cold water. Wat Arun is also one of the top six temples in Thailand and it's one of Bangkok's most famous landmarks. Its outstanding feature is the massive tower that is around 100 meters high. They said that it was possible to go up the tower for a nice view of the Chao Phraya river but the gate going up to the tower was close at that time. And to be honest, even if it was open, I don't think I would dare to go up the tower because the stairs were insanely steep. Wat Arun is also a famous spot where you can rent traditional Thai dresses and hire photogoraphers so you can have a beautiful memento of your visit to Wat Arun.



I spent around an hour exploring Wat Arun, and then I decided to quickly visit ICONSIAM since it was just one boat ride away from the temple. Although it was just a shortlived visit as I was running out of time, ICONSIAM is one of the most impressive malls I have visited in Bangkok. Anyway, that's all I have for you on my Day 2 itinerary. I'll see you on my Day 3&4 post!

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