X: BKK- Other Info and Tips

Money:
Currency the Baht. Notes: 1,000 Baht (grey), 500 Baht (purple), 100 Baht (red), 50 Baht (Blue), 20 Baht, (green/grey and (grey). Coins are silver 1, 5, 10 Baht.

ATM Machines available at most banks and shopping centres throughout the city. Thai Baht only. ATMs generally have Thai and English language displays and will accept most internationally recognized foreign cards. Many ATM's will also accept cards under CIRRUS, Maestro, VISA or Mastercard system.

Trevelers Cheques / Credit Cards:
Most traveler checques can be cashed at banks. Take your passport or ID. Mastercard and VISA are widely accepted by major banks, restaurants and shops. AMEX, Diners are tend to be accepted only at upmarket venues.

Banks:
Open Mon.-Fri. from 9:30am to3:30pm, except public and bank holidays.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE CENTRES
Operate in most tourist areas from 7:00am to 9:00pm, everyday, including holidays.


BE AWARE THAT:
There is a deep reverence for the Royal Family and you will find portraits of the Royal Family in shops and offices. At the cinema you must stand for the national anthem before the film is screened.

Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture. A 'Wai' is the traditional Thai greeting of placing the hands together. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it. DON'T initiate a 'wai', only reply to one. Do not 'wai' servants and children.

You should dress neatly in all temples. Don't go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants, spaghetti straps, etc. Remove your shoes when entering a private Thai home, a Buddhist temple.

Buddha images large or small, ruined or not, are regarded as sacred. Don't take photographs or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.

It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or object.

Thai's regard the head as the highest part of the body and do not appreciate anyone touching them there, even as a friendly gesture.

DON''T drink the tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere.

IX: BKK- Wat Intharawihan

Wat Intharawihan, sometimes spelled Wat Indravihan is located on Wisut Kasat Road on the northern edge of Banglamphu. This temple is known for a huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To. The image is 32 meters tall and 10 meters wide, was constructed in the riegn of King Rama IV. Showing the Buddha holding his alms bowl, wearing a yellow saffron robe. There are staircases on both sides of the image.

A small temple hall on the left of the Buddha houses a cement figure of the famous Lord Abbot, for the people to pay their respects. The top knot of the image contains relics of the Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.

Relatively few tourists venture out here, which is a plus. We were brought here on purpose by our tuk-tuk driver.

In the grounds of the temple you'll see the usual caged birds for sale. You can make a plus point by buying the bird's freedom. But the problem is... the birds fly back to the owner and they do the same thing all over again.

While we were roaming around, there was a local male stranger smartly dressed who approached us and speaks well in English, and claims to be a university student. He asked us if we needed help. We chatted for a while and asked us where we came from (mind you, he has an excellent knowledge about Manila). To make the story short, eventually the conversation gets round to jewelry and gems, confirming the special deal on at the moment. (Oh no! another scam. grrr!!!). He was telling us that, "Today is a special export day, it's an opportunity previously open to Thai students only to finance their studies abroad but now tourists can do it as well..." blah... blah... blah and so on.

We knew that this was all an elaborate set of lies and were simply being set up to spend a small fortune on the 'bargain' gems. The man even marked the location of the gem shop on our map, so we can tell the tuk-tuk driver where to go.

Tsk, tsk, tsk... It was a disappointingly frustrating experience. I so hate this type of people. SHAME ON THEM!

All I can say is that... don't listen to anyone on the street. It might be all part of a sophisticated gem scam. If you hear them say like "There's a special tax break today", "It's part of a tourism promotion", "It's a wholesale factory price", "backed by the government", "You get a certificate of authenticity"... etc. etc. BEWARE!!!

Address:
Bang Khun Phrom Sub-District,
Phra Nakorn District,
near Rama VIII bridgeand Bank of Thailand

VIII: BKK - Vimanmek Mansion

Vimanmek Mansion is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion with its elaborate architectural style reflecting a western influence. It is the former royal palace in Bangkok, Thailand. The building has two right-angled wings, each wing 60 meters long and meters high, and is three-storied except for the part where King Rama V resided, which is octagonal and four-storied. Although the ground floor is brick and cement, the upper floors are built of beautiful golden teakwood. Altogether there are 31 exhibition rooms, with the bedrooms, the throne room and the bathrooms maintaining the atmosphere of the Thai past. Some rooms house exhibitions of art works, for example, there is silverware display room, a ceramic display room, a glassware display room and an ivory display room.

The courtyards boast several colorful botanic gardens, ponds and small lakes.

There is an hourly-guided tour which we managed to catch. We had a glimpse of the exhibition rooms of the Thai art and architecture. Including ivory, crystal ware, ceramics and silvewares. Photographs of King Rama V, personal art and handicrafts.

We also got the chance to see on Thailand's highly stylized classical dance performance. The dance is accompanied by music played on traditional instruments. Dressed in magnificent linens and silk, young dancers perform the slow, graceful movements that make up the intricate language of classical Thai dance.

Two shows are performed daily at 10:30 am and at 2:00 pm. There's a picture taking after the show but you have to pay a small amount.

And here are some of our pics...

Our visit to Vimanmek Mansion was already included in the tour package.

Visitors are requested to dress properly and appropriately upon entering the ground of the Vimanmek Palace. Personal effects are not allowed inside the museum.

Address:
Rajavithi Road, Dusit,
Bangkok 10300
Tel. +66 628-6300 Ext. 5120-5121
Fax +66 628-6300 Ext. 5136
Admission Fee:
Thai - Adult 50 Baht, Children- 20 Baht
Foreigner- 100 Baht

Visitor Information:
Official hours are from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
including weekends and public holiday.
Ticket sold until 3:00 pm
Only Vimanmek Mansion: Open 9:30 am to 3:15 pm

VII: BKK- Wat Pho

Wat Pho is the oldest and the largest temple in Bangkok, famous for the huge Reclining Buddha. It is located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace. It is the home to more than one thousand Buddha images, more than any temple in the country. The highly impressive Reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high.

(The Face of the Reclining Buddha)

Decorated with gold plating on its body and mother of pearl on its eyes and the soles of its feet. The latter display 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles.

Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called 'Thailand's first university'. Thai traditional massage, mural paintings, inscriptions and statues are also found in the temple.

Address:
Wat Pho or Wat Phrachetuphon
Temple of the Reclining Buddha
2 Sanamchai Road,
Phra Nakhon District
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel. 222 5910, 226 2942
Fax: 225 9779

Open everyday
Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a break from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Admission Fee: 20 Baht
Guides can be hired at the entrance:
150 Baht for 1 person
200 Baht for 2 persons
300 Baht for 3 persons

VI: BKK - Golden Mount

Wat Saket's major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. It is an artificial hill topped by a gilded pagoda which is 260 feet in height from its base. The Golden Mount is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok's old area and offers a panoramic city view from the top.

From the ground, a wide stairway spirals up and around the sides of the mount. There are about 300 very short steps in all. It's not a strenuous climb at all, as the slope is quite gentle and there are numerous spots to stop.

Stairs going up to the top of the Golden Mount...

Once you reach the top, there's an admission fee of 10 baht to enter the building and gain access to the rooftop terrace. The first thing you will notice on the rooftop is the huge chedi covered with thousands of gold mosaic tiles.

We were also lucky that we got the chance to take pictures with these three novice monks. A note for WOMEN, be very careful when dealing with monks: Never touch a monk, never hand anything directly to them (should be set on the floor in front of the monk or given to a man who will hand it them directly) and don't sit next to monks on public transport.

Therevada Buddhism is the professed religion of more than 90% of all Thais, casts strong influences on daily life.

However, if you intend to visit a temple, please pay heed to the following:

• Disrespect towards Buddha images, temples or monks are an offence.
• Shorts or sleeveless shirts are considered improper dress for both men and women.
• Take off your shoes before entering the main temple.

Address:
Golden Mount
344 Chakkraphatdiphong Road
Open: Temple: 4:00-21:00 daily;
Golden Mount: 7:30 - 17:30
Admission: Free to the temple
10 Baht to the Golden Mount.

V: BKK - The Grand Palace

The GRAND PALACE is a complex of buildings. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. It houses not only the royal houses and throne halls, but also a number of government offices and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. It covers an area of 218,000 square meters and is exquisitely decorated with gold and glass.

A "must see" place. It is generally pretty crowded. You have to dress properly or you will not be allowed to enter the premises. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirt, miniskirt, short, sandal and slipper. You need a lot of walking here, so a very good pair of walking shoes is a must.

This is the Phra Sri Rattana Chedi.



A large mythological giant called "yak".

Inside you will see the Chakri Maha Prasat Palace, the three-storey Italian Renaissance style marble building with Thai inspired roof. This place is used as venue to hold royal banquets in honor of visiting heads of state.

The miniature version of Cambodia's Angkor Wat can be found in the upper terrace of the Grand Palace near the Royal Pantheon.

On my left side is a kinaree, a mythological creature, half bird, half woman. It has the head, torso, and arms of a woman and the wings, tail and feet of a swan. She is renowned for her dance, song and poetry, and is a traditional symbol of feminine beauty, grace and accomplishment.

These are the Twin Golden Stupas surrounded at their lower level with dancing garudas.

The Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha is the crowning jewel of the compound. Inside, I was really amazed, I saw a figurine of the sitting buddha, made of green jade, clothed in gold and about 45 cm. tall. It's an exquisite buddha statue and the interior of carvings and design are lavish. I am tempted to take a picture of that. However, photographs are not permitted inside. Externally a frieze of garudas and nagas run along the walls with lion figures guarding the entrance.

The details of the structures, the statues, the floors and the roofs are really grand. Everything is elegantly decorated with gold. The Grand Palace Complex is an excellent example of Thai architecture and is well worth a visit.

Our visit to Grand Palace was not included in our package tour. We went there on our own.


ADDRESS:
The Royal Grand Palace
Na Phralan Road,
Phra Nakhon District,
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel. No. 224-3328, 226-0255

Opening Hours:
8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Admission Fee:
Thai - Free
Foreigner - 200 Baht

Guide:
Personal Audio Guide - a mini disc player available in 8 languages. 100 Baht for 2 hours.

IV: BKK - Other Markets / Shopping Centers

PRATUNAM MARKET is just near the First House Hotel. It is the largest wholesale clothing market. These are complex of stalls selling fashion Accessories, t-shirts, bags, shoes and more. There are some air-conditioned stores. Great prices if you bargain. You can buy things in wholesale provided you buy 6 or more. But don't expect much of the quality. These markets are very crowded and watch out for pickpockets. Open at 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.

CHINATOWN is the district area full of market stalls and shops selling all types of goods. It has the highest concentration of gold shops in the city.

SUANLUM NIGHT BAZAAR is a modern style market near Lumpini Park in Bangkok. The market itself is big. It has many bars, restaurants and cafes. Locals call this as "Night Plaza". The night bazaar is open from 3:00 pm to midnight with some shops open until later. Vendors are selling gifts, clothing, jewelry, fruit, CDs, handmade products and fine arts, such as paintings and sculptures.

However, it is said that the lease on the property ran out in 2006 and the market will be closed in 2007.

There are also other shopping centers like MBK, PANTHIP IT PLAZA, SIAM SQUARE and THE EMPORIUM.

(MBK)

(Panthip IT Plaza)

III: BKK - Patpong

PATPONG is the notorious Red Light District in Bangkok. Patpong is located between Silom Road and Surawong Road. The place are host to over one hundred neon-lit bars, sex and gays. I saw a lot of foreigners who preferred to drink beers and chat with bar girls. It is said that there are also expensive bars that caters only for Japanese men.

There is actually a night market here, a long alley in between those bars and pubs. The night market springs up after dusk, selling all kinds of things.

We happened to see a group of dancers wearing only a thong (a garment for the lower body that exposes the buttocks). I was shocked at first. It was my first time to see those bar dancers in flesh. I just see them on TVs and movies. hehehe... Well it's not my fault, the door was open and we happened to pass by. But hey! I'm just not sure if they're real women or "katoy" (transvestite or transsexual in Thai) . Oooops! :)

II: Bangkok - Chatuchak Weekend Market

If you love shopping, you'll surely love CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET. This is the mother of all markets and the best market for me.

Chatuchak is One of Asia's Largest Outdoor Markets with around 15,000 stalls along Phahonyothin Road. It's hot, sticky and crowded but worth of incredible goods. The market offers household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts collectibles, foods and live animals. Great for browsing and bargaining hunting but you need stamina! I bought hundred pieces of chimes (made of clay with unique designs), nice key chains, polos, blouses and shirts for our store.

Hubby loves the Buddha statues and other carving /sculpture items. We wanted to buy some of it but the shipping cost was more expensive than the product value. So, we just contented ourselves browsing around.

The place is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am until late in the afternoon. Usual precautions; be careful with your bag.

Bangkok: Introduction & Getting There

September 2002

BANGKOK is the capital and largest city of Thailand. It is considered as one of the worlds 22 megacities. Today it has one of the fastest rates of construction of high rise buildings. Currently it is the most densely populated in Southeast Asia. Moreover, it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations and the vibrant cities with dazzling temples, exotic food, noisy markets, teak palaces, bars, etc...


It is said that there's really no bad time to visit Thailand's capital, rain and extreme heat are less frequent between November and February. April is only recommended to those with portable air conditioners, while October brings the heaviest rains - these are probably the best times to be out of Thailand. The tourists flock to Bangkok in December and August, while the least crowded months tend to be May, June and September.

GETTING THERE:
This was my first time to travel "out of the country". My hubby and I took the Philippine Airline package and it was pretty neat. Package inclusions a free daily buffet breakfast, private transfers to and from the airport and a half-day city tour. We stayed there for 4 days / 3 nights. We went there on September of 2002. Bangkok was stiflingly hot!

A funny thing happened at the airport, we were mistaken for Singaporeans by a Filipino couple. We just laughed and told them that we're also Filipinos.

We picked some of the latest edition of the maps that we saw at the airport. We had exchanged our US dollars at their Foreign Currency Exchange facility.

HOTEL:
We stayed at First House Hotel. This is just a three star hotel but it offers good value standard accommodation.


The hotel is well-situated in Pratunam area.

A place well-known for its street markets, bazaar and local vendors. It is also near the World Trade Center, now renamed Central World Plaza. The largest shopping mall and office complex in Bangkok.

One thing, I don't like the place, it's noisy and crowded. But other than that, the place is fine. The buffet breakfast was also good.

GETTING AROUND:
Bangkok has an extensive bus service with routes serving every part of the city.

There are both air-conditioned blue buses and non air-conditioned red and green vehicles, which provide an extreme cheap way of getting around town.

One of the advanced type of urban railway is the Bangkok Transit System (BTS), an elevated heavy rail system.

Bangkok metered Taxis are available.

Make sure the driver turns on the meter, especially if you're starting from the airport. Always have an exact amount, as taxi drivers don't often give change. Some drivers often charge tourists way over the odds for a journey that would cost only a few baht. Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway. Please take note that most of the drivers don't speak / understand English.

They also have Motorcycle taxi. This is only for the adventurous one but extremely popular among Bangkokians because of the traffic congestion. Fares must be bargained in advance.

They have river taxis but these are just cross-river ferries.

And the most popular is Tuk-Tuk.

It's a three wheeled open- air vehicles taking two passengers (three or four at a squeeze). Best for shorter trips. Settle the fare before proceeding. And beware, most of these motorcycles are tourist traps especially along the temples and other tourist areas. Including the people offering an unsolicited advice and help. Though they may give legitimate locations and places, these people actually want to lead you to a jewelry shop or any other shops for you to buy stuffs, which in turn give them commissions from those shops.

Our Tuk-tuk tourist trap experience...
First ride, the driver brought us first to a jewelry shop before proceeding to our own destination. We ended up buying two big sterling silver rings, which cost us P3,500. The rings are ok, though.

Second ride, the driver brought us to an Indian shop without informing or asking us. The confusing part was... we thought that was the place we wanted to go. Darn! Anyway, the shop was selling garments like silk and other stuff from India. The clothes are expensive. I think it was triple than the original price. And guess what... the driver was a little bit irritated when we told him we didn't buy anything... hahaha...

Third ride, We told the driver where we wanted to go and he nodded. As we were traveling along the street... the driver told us that he'll drop us first to a shop. I was thinking, "Oh no, here we go again! tsk! tsk! Patience... patience..."

We told him in a nice way with smiling faces, "Sorry but not now. We are not interested and we are in a hurry." But the driver insisted many times and so we just kept on repeating what we said. And suddenly he continued ignoring us until we really got pissed off. What we did was... we shouted at him at the top of our lungs, "STOP! STOOOOOOP!!!" (I think our small eyes had popped out).

When he stopped, we left immediately and we looked for another tuk-tuk. I think we did a little hullabaloo there. Some of these drivers are so annoying!!!