Grand Palace and Wat Pho

Description

A half-day tour visiting the two most famous attractions in Bangkok; the Grand Palace, which was the seat not only of the king and his court but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration and Wat Pho, the Reclining Buddha.

The Grand Palace is the palace that served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. Construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in colour, the Buddha is carved from a single piece of jade, and though only 17 inches tall, is the most revered object in Thailand.  Also continue to visit Wat Pho, which features the largest reclining Buddha image in Thailand, and the Chedi of the Kings, is Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple.

Note:

A strict dress code applies. The Grand Palace, with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is Thailand’s most sacred site. Visitors (both of Thai and Foreigners) must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops). No sandals or flip-flops. Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes to cover you up properly (expenses & deposit is required).