Oleyography

We all start as strangers.

After some time, i again got the force to continue documenting my Bangkok-Siem Reap adventure. I got the perfect opening quote for this entry.

Met a new friend named Masahiko or Masa for short. Together we jump to the first train for the first trip to the main city. He's an accountant from Japan having few days off work, loves to traver and first time solo backpacker like me. Awesome!

When we arrive the Phaya Thai station, he just then figured out that his hotel is just near the airport. I thought he would bade goodbye but he asked if he can tag along since he don't have any plan for the day. I said are you sure? and he confirmed.

We went straight to my hostel to check-in and left my things. Saphaipae hostel is true to its advertisements - good location, friendly and accommodating staffs, clean rooms and great common bathroom. Without further a do SAPHAIPAE IS HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

First activity for the day - temple hopping. We went straight to Saphan Taksin station for a boat ride via Chao Phraya river. This is the best and fastest route to the Grand Palace. We got ripped for the boat fare. We rode the tourist boat as per advised by the one we talked there. Cheaper regular fare for locals is at far left side of the station. It is available during day time until 7PM last trip.

Riding their own local ferry boat is great experience. We got a good daytime view of the city. Was able to see some landmarks and temples facing the river. Back home i remember Pasig River, Its almost the same with Chao Phraya. Thai was able to maximize their river using as another option of transport. Compared to Pasig river, there are less to no lilies floating. I think this is one hindrance on ferry operation aside from less promotion and patronage.

Upon arrival in Grand Palace, we need to pay THB500 and had a wrong decision to wear a short pants. It is prohibited to wear short clothing upon entry in the temple. Good thing they have pants rental for men and sarong for women for THB200.

A huge well maintained lawn at the left side with cluster of temples roofs greeted us. Since we arrive around 11AM, flocks of tourist is also on their way. The palace is a complex of buildings used to house the Kings of Thailand. Currently it is now one of the most popular tourist attraction and still used for venue for government social gatherings.

If you want to maximize your trip, be sure to go here at 10:00AM (10:30AM, 1:30PM and 2:00PM) for the free English guided tour or more earlier if you don't want to go with many tourist crowd.

Thais made sure to define grandeur and intricacy on their temple. Grand Palace is one the structures they imprinted their artistry. From top to bottom, different patterns are painted including touches of glass and whole bunch of gold paints. Gold overload. My best building is Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat (thank you wikipedia!). Its like the front building of Hong Kong Disneyland, haha! 

Next stop is Wat Pho which houses the Golden Giant Reclining Buddha. This is the biggest Buddha i've seen to date. The image is 15m high and 43m long with 3m high and 4.5m long foot 108 arranged panels displaying symbols by which Buddha can be identified like flowers, dancers, white elephants, tigers and altar accessories (Wikipedia).