It's
a Thailand revisit trip. Hadn't got the chance to explore Bangkok city
at my first visit in 2007, I came back a year later and decided to spend
more time in Bangkok city. Yeah, it'll be all about Bangkok city.
Traveling by sea from Batam to Singapore and fly to Bangkok on the same day was what I had in mind. A bit roundabout I know... but it was one of my trick to avoid paying extra IDR500,000 for travel tax. Indonesia imposes travel tax for Indonesian passport holders who travel overseas, IDR1,000,000 by air and IDR500,000 by sea/land. By 2011 the government will suspend the imposition of the travel tax to all travelers overseas, either those who travel by air, by sea or by land. Good news for me... no doubt about it :)
So here we go... Bangkok city.
No holiday to Bangkok is complete without wat hopping experience... and I had had my lists ready.
Day 1: Jim Thompson House and Museum, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Chinatown (Yaowaraj Rd.).
Day 2: Wat Saket (Golden Mount), Wat Ratchanatdaram, Chatuchak Market, Erawan Shrine.
I had to drop Grand Palace from my list due to the huge crowd in the palace. Thai nation was in mourning period for the passing away of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana (elder sister of HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej) on Jan 2, 2008, so I decided to save Grand Palace for my next trip to Bangkok.
Day 3: no agenda listed... just enjoy the pool at the hotel and fly to Penang, my next destination.
Note: Beware of Bangkok Gem And Jewelry Scam!
Bangkok's infamous gem scam has ruined the holidays of many, many visitors to Thailand, include me. The con-artists hang around the main tourist attractions, such as Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the National Museum and Wat Arun. It usually starts with a male stranger approaching you on the way to or nearby any of main tourist attractions. After visiting Wat Arun and Wat Pho, I found that it was too late for me to visit Grand Palace. While I was standing at the sidewalk, one of the con artists approached me and said somewhere equally impressive is still open - "the famous 100m high Standing Buddha Temple". He offered to arrange a tuk-tuk ride for me to the new temple at a bargain price (THB20) explaining that tuk-tuks usually overcharge tourists, but he could get me cheaper price because he's a Thai. He claimed that by taking me there, the tuk-tuk driver would get free petrol vouchers, so that's why it was cheap. At the new temple (the so-called 'Standing Buddha Temple', 'Lucky Buddha Temple' etc - really just an average temple in an out-of-the-way location), the tuk-tuk driver waited outside while I went in. Luckily I didn't come across another con artist who would talk me into bulk buying gems at a low price in Thailand (Later I found out that the scam is no secret - there's warnings about it in every guidebook). I just spent a while at the temple since not much to be seen anyway and I asked the tuk-tuk driver to drive me to Chinatown. The tuk-tuk driver insisted he need to drive me to a fancy jewelry store nearby in order to collect his free petrol vouchers. OK, I'd let him take me to 1 more stop as it helped him and was no hassle to me, but afterward, he had to drive me to Chinatown. No more stopover! Eventually this guy didn't keep his promise and it got on my nerves just right. I shouted at him, got off his tuk-tuk, gave him THB50 and hailed a metered-taxi instead.
So guys, beware of Bangkok and Thailand's scam!!! Being polite and friendly doesn't always work in some parts of the world sadly.
Traveling by sea from Batam to Singapore and fly to Bangkok on the same day was what I had in mind. A bit roundabout I know... but it was one of my trick to avoid paying extra IDR500,000 for travel tax. Indonesia imposes travel tax for Indonesian passport holders who travel overseas, IDR1,000,000 by air and IDR500,000 by sea/land. By 2011 the government will suspend the imposition of the travel tax to all travelers overseas, either those who travel by air, by sea or by land. Good news for me... no doubt about it :)
So here we go... Bangkok city.
No holiday to Bangkok is complete without wat hopping experience... and I had had my lists ready.
Day 1: Jim Thompson House and Museum, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Chinatown (Yaowaraj Rd.).
Day 2: Wat Saket (Golden Mount), Wat Ratchanatdaram, Chatuchak Market, Erawan Shrine.
I had to drop Grand Palace from my list due to the huge crowd in the palace. Thai nation was in mourning period for the passing away of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana (elder sister of HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej) on Jan 2, 2008, so I decided to save Grand Palace for my next trip to Bangkok.
Day 3: no agenda listed... just enjoy the pool at the hotel and fly to Penang, my next destination.
Note: Beware of Bangkok Gem And Jewelry Scam!
Bangkok's infamous gem scam has ruined the holidays of many, many visitors to Thailand, include me. The con-artists hang around the main tourist attractions, such as Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the National Museum and Wat Arun. It usually starts with a male stranger approaching you on the way to or nearby any of main tourist attractions. After visiting Wat Arun and Wat Pho, I found that it was too late for me to visit Grand Palace. While I was standing at the sidewalk, one of the con artists approached me and said somewhere equally impressive is still open - "the famous 100m high Standing Buddha Temple". He offered to arrange a tuk-tuk ride for me to the new temple at a bargain price (THB20) explaining that tuk-tuks usually overcharge tourists, but he could get me cheaper price because he's a Thai. He claimed that by taking me there, the tuk-tuk driver would get free petrol vouchers, so that's why it was cheap. At the new temple (the so-called 'Standing Buddha Temple', 'Lucky Buddha Temple' etc - really just an average temple in an out-of-the-way location), the tuk-tuk driver waited outside while I went in. Luckily I didn't come across another con artist who would talk me into bulk buying gems at a low price in Thailand (Later I found out that the scam is no secret - there's warnings about it in every guidebook). I just spent a while at the temple since not much to be seen anyway and I asked the tuk-tuk driver to drive me to Chinatown. The tuk-tuk driver insisted he need to drive me to a fancy jewelry store nearby in order to collect his free petrol vouchers. OK, I'd let him take me to 1 more stop as it helped him and was no hassle to me, but afterward, he had to drive me to Chinatown. No more stopover! Eventually this guy didn't keep his promise and it got on my nerves just right. I shouted at him, got off his tuk-tuk, gave him THB50 and hailed a metered-taxi instead.
So guys, beware of Bangkok and Thailand's scam!!! Being polite and friendly doesn't always work in some parts of the world sadly.
 |
| Changi Airport |
Transit a few hours at Changi Airport before flying to Bangkok, EDT 15h35.
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| Suanlum Nite Bazaar |
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| Jim Thompson House & Museum |
Jim Thompson is an American who was born in Greenville, Delaware in
1906. A practicing architect prior to World War II, he volunteered for
service in the U.S. Army, campaigned in Europe, and came to Asia as part
of the force that hoped to help restore Thailand's full freedom and
independence. However, the war ended before he saw action. He arrived in
Bangkok a short time later as a military intelligence officer attached
to the OSS (Office of Strategic Service). After leaving the service, he
decided to return and stay in Thailand permanently.
The hand weaving of silk, a long-neglected cottage industry, captured Jim Thompson's attention, and he devoted himself to reviving the craft. Highly gifted as a designer and textile colorist, he contributed substantially to the industry's growth and to the worldwide recognition accorded to Thai silk.
He gained further renown through the construction of this house combining 6 teak buildings which represented the best in traditional Thai architecture. Most of the houses were, at least two centuries old and were easily dismantled and brought to the present site, some from as far away as the old capital of Ayutthaya.
In his quest for authenticity, Jim Thompson adhered to the customs of the early builders in most respects. The houses were elevated a full story above the ground, a practical Thai precaution to avoid flooding during the rainy season, and the roof tiles were fired in Ayuttahya employing a design common centuries ago but rarely used today. The red paint on the outside walls is a preservative often found on many old Thai buildings. The chandeliers were a concession to modern convenience, but even they belong to a past era, having come from 18th and 19th century Bangkok palaces.
All the traditional religious rituals were followed during construction of the house, and on a spring day in 1959, a chosen day as being auspicious by astrologers, Jim Thompson moved in. The house and the art collection soon became such a point of interest that he decided to open his home to the public with proceeds donated to Thai charities and to projects directed at the preservation of Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
On March 26th, 1967, Jim Thompson disappeared while on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Not a single clue has turned up in the ensuing years as to what might have happened to him. His famous Thai house however, remains as a lasting reminder of his creative ability and his deep love of Thailand.
Jim Thompson House and Museum
6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Rd, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: (662) 216-7368
Fax: (662) 612-3744
Open everyday 09.00-17.00 with the last Guided Tour at 17:00 (compulsory guided tours around the house).
Admission Fee: THB100
www.jimthompsonhouse.com
The hand weaving of silk, a long-neglected cottage industry, captured Jim Thompson's attention, and he devoted himself to reviving the craft. Highly gifted as a designer and textile colorist, he contributed substantially to the industry's growth and to the worldwide recognition accorded to Thai silk.
He gained further renown through the construction of this house combining 6 teak buildings which represented the best in traditional Thai architecture. Most of the houses were, at least two centuries old and were easily dismantled and brought to the present site, some from as far away as the old capital of Ayutthaya.
In his quest for authenticity, Jim Thompson adhered to the customs of the early builders in most respects. The houses were elevated a full story above the ground, a practical Thai precaution to avoid flooding during the rainy season, and the roof tiles were fired in Ayuttahya employing a design common centuries ago but rarely used today. The red paint on the outside walls is a preservative often found on many old Thai buildings. The chandeliers were a concession to modern convenience, but even they belong to a past era, having come from 18th and 19th century Bangkok palaces.
All the traditional religious rituals were followed during construction of the house, and on a spring day in 1959, a chosen day as being auspicious by astrologers, Jim Thompson moved in. The house and the art collection soon became such a point of interest that he decided to open his home to the public with proceeds donated to Thai charities and to projects directed at the preservation of Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
On March 26th, 1967, Jim Thompson disappeared while on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Not a single clue has turned up in the ensuing years as to what might have happened to him. His famous Thai house however, remains as a lasting reminder of his creative ability and his deep love of Thailand.
Jim Thompson House and Museum
6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Rd, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: (662) 216-7368
Fax: (662) 612-3744
Open everyday 09.00-17.00 with the last Guided Tour at 17:00 (compulsory guided tours around the house).
Admission Fee: THB100
www.jimthompsonhouse.com
The James H.W. Thompson Foundation
In 1976, the Thai Court-appointed administrator for the property of Jim Thompson received permission from government ministries of the Kingdom of Thailand to legally establish the James H.W. Thompson Foundation.
By virtue of its presence and the dictates of its charter, the Foundation is committed to the preservation of Thailand's rich artistic and cultural heritage. The Foundation supports a wide variety of research, publication and seminar projects in furtherance of this aim.
In 1976, the Thai Court-appointed administrator for the property of Jim Thompson received permission from government ministries of the Kingdom of Thailand to legally establish the James H.W. Thompson Foundation.
By virtue of its presence and the dictates of its charter, the Foundation is committed to the preservation of Thailand's rich artistic and cultural heritage. The Foundation supports a wide variety of research, publication and seminar projects in furtherance of this aim.
Located
in the heart of Bangkok, The Jim Thompson Art Center is situated in the
same compound as the unique and famous Jim Thompson House and Museum.
Serving as a haven for Bangkok’s local and international arts and
cultural communities, the Center’s reputation as a place to mingle,
interact and exchange dialogues is rapidly spreading. In conjunction
with its exhibitions, the Center’s activities include parties, events,
seminars, lectures and workshops.
The Jim Thompson Art Center is operated under The James H.W. Thompson Foundation. The mission of the Art Center is to nurture artistic activities and create public awareness of both contemporary and traditional arts within today’s context. Among its many activities, the Art Center organizes exhibitions; conducts educational and outreach programs; produces publications; and networks and collaborates with local and international cultural institutions.
Opening Hours:
09.00-17.00 everyday with the last guided Tour at 16.30 (compulsory guided tours around the house).
www.thejimthompsonartcenter.org
The Jim Thompson Art Center is operated under The James H.W. Thompson Foundation. The mission of the Art Center is to nurture artistic activities and create public awareness of both contemporary and traditional arts within today’s context. Among its many activities, the Art Center organizes exhibitions; conducts educational and outreach programs; produces publications; and networks and collaborates with local and international cultural institutions.
Opening Hours:
09.00-17.00 everyday with the last guided Tour at 16.30 (compulsory guided tours around the house).
www.thejimthompsonartcenter.org
Crossing the Chao Phrya River (River of Kings) on my way to Wat Arun.
You can view the wat from across the river. The riverbank landmark is
opposite Wat Po and diagonally opposite the Grand Palace.
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| Standing Buddha Temple |
Pic of me smiling before the 100m high Standing Buddha
(Phrasiariyametri "Luang Pho To")... a few hours before I came to my
senses that I had been swindled by those con-artists.
Phrasiariyametri "Luang Pho To" is a gigantic Buddha statue standing at Wat Intharavihan, Bangkhunphrom Sub District, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.
Phrasiariyametri "Luang Pho To" is a gigantic Buddha statue standing at Wat Intharavihan, Bangkhunphrom Sub District, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.
Wat Intharavihan was built by the end of Ayutthaya period. It was
firstly called Wat Rai Phrik as it was located among Chinese vegetable
garden.
In the reign of King Rama I, he moved his army to suppress the rebellion in Vientiane and led the Royal Family of Laos to settle down at Bangkhunphrom (then was called Banlaos). Chao Inthawong who came with this mission was a faithful Buddhist. He restored Wat Rai Phrik and named it Wat Intharam. Afterward it changed again to Wat Intharavihan in the reign of Rama VI up to present time.
In 1867 AD, at the reign of King Rama IV, the 80 years old Somdej Phra Buddhachan (To Phromarangsi of Wat Rakhang Kositharam) carried out the construction of Luang Pho To statue. All abutment of the statue was built by crossing the logs alternating with structural steel, but unfortunately, Somdej Phra Buddhachan passed away at midnight of Saturday, 22 July 1872 AD at the hall for sermons in Wat Intharavihan, as the construction was only up to the navel.
Later on his favorite follower, Luang Pho Phu Chanthakesaro (Phra Khru Thamanukun) took over the 60 years left over construction and the construction was completed in the time of Luang Pho Ngoen (Phra Intharasamachan) at the reign of King Rama VII (1927 AD).
Luang Pho To is the most gigantic standing Buddha with alms-bowl in hands, facing east, 32 meters in height and 11 meters in width. The posture of Luang Pho To means that Somdej To could stand here during his childhood years.
In 1964 AD and 1967 AD, His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen along with their sons and daughters went to cover the statue of Buddha at his topknot and forehead with gold leaves. In 1978 AD, HRH The Crown Prince Vachiralongkorn on behalf of His Majesty The King went to place the Buddha relics which was presented to Thai government by Ceyloness Government, in the topknot of Luang Pho To.
In 1982 AD, Phra Khru Woraphattikhun, the late abbot, carried out the restoration of Luang Pho To by decorating with 24K golden mosaics from Italy, for the Rattanakosin Bicentennial celebration. The annual celebration will be organized during March 1-10.
Luang Pho To will bless success and miraculous power upon whomever that vow will present a head of mackerel kind of fish, a boiled egg and a lei of flowers.
A well-known landmark, the towering gold chedi of Wat Saket (sometimes
spelled Wat Srakes) was once the highest point in Bangkok. It is notable
for its spectacular views and its hosting of the annual Loy Kratong
festival.
Wat Saket itself (the temple complex at the bottom of the hill) dates back to the Ayutthaya era, when it was called Wat Sakae. The wat was restored under Rama I (1782-1809).
Wat Saket was used for cremation ceremonies, which were not permitted inside the walled city. During a plague in the reign of King Rama II (1809-24), 30,000 bodies were brought here
Wat Saket's major feature is The Golden Mount, which is an artificial hill made out of mud and brick constructed under King Rama III (1787–1851). When the king tried to build a chedi here before the hill existed, it collapsed because of the soft soil beneath. He therefore made a strong pile of mud and bricks to support it. The resulting mud-and-brick hillock was left alone for about half a century, taking the shape of a natural hill and becoming overgrown with weeds. Since then it looked like a natural small mountain. It was under King Rama IV, a small Chedi was built on the hilltop. He also shored up the hill with 1,000 teak logs because it was already sinking into the swampy ground. Later on King Rama V added more structure to complete the Golden Mount, enshrining within it a relic of the Buddha. And of course during that time until now minor renovation and constructions took place.
Admission is free except for the final approach to the top Chedi, which cost THB10.
Location: Between Boriphat Road and Lan Luang Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)
Open daily from 08.00-17.00.
Tel. 662 621 0576, 662 233 4561
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| Bells at the rest platform |
Visit the temple and climb the 318 steps to the top Chedi. The route to
the top is up a long flight of tree-lined steps with platforms along the
way for rest areas.
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| Wat Saket |
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| Wat Ratchanatdaram |
Across Mahachai Road from Golden Mount (Wat Saket) is Wat
Ratchanatdaram. The name of the temple means "Royal Niece". This royal
temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. He built the
edifice to commemorate his niece, H.R.H. Princess Somanas Wathanavadi,
who later became Her Majesty the Queen Somanas Wathanavadi of King Rama
IV. Even though it was built during the rule of Rama III, extensive
renovation occurred during the regimes of Rama V and Rama VI.
The highlight of the edifice is 'Loha Prasat', also known as Metal Castle which asserts its value as 'one of its kind' in Thailand. It has 37 spires, each representing the 37 Bodhipak Khiyadhamma - the different virtues leading to enlightenment. A winding staircase, similar to European staircases, with wooden posts stands at the centre and leads to the Mondop in the top floor. However, the significance of this Loha Prasat rests on the fact that it was the 'first of its kinds' in Thailand. Situated in the nearby area are a royal pavilion for a guest welcome and the memorial statue of King Rama III.
Wat Ratchanatdaram is located on Mahachai Road, at the coner of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, near Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
Open daily from 09.00-17.00. Admission is free.
Tel. 662 224-9807, 662 225-5749
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| Wat Ratchanatdaram |
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| Finally I made it to the Mondop at the top floor after climbing numerous winding staircases. |
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| Wat Ratchanatdaram |
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| Erawan Shrine |
The Erawan Shrine (San Phra Phrom/Four-Faced Buddha/四面佛) is a Hindu
shrine in Bangkok that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai
representation of the Hindu creation god Brahma. A popular tourist
attraction, it often features performances by resident Thai dance
troupes, who are hired by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers
at the shrine answered.
Every day thousands of devotees both Thai and foreigners pray at the shrine to seek blessings, fulfillment of dreams, success in personal lives and careers.
Opening hours: 06.00-24.00
Location: Front yard of Grand Hyatt Erawan
Hotel, corner of Ploenchit and Ratchadamri Road. It is near the Bangkok
Skytrain's Chitlom Station, which has an elevated walkway overlooking
the shrine. The area has many shopping malls nearby, including Gaysorn,
Central World and Amarin Plaza. | |
| Suvarnabhumi Airport |
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| Airport Waiting Room |
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