The Musts of Bangkok: Touring the Blinged-out Grand Palace
These days, when you think of Bangkok, does the "Hangover 2" phrase "Holla, city of squalor" pop into mind? It did ours, until we freaking went there and got tangled in its web of awesomeness. Bangkok is truly a world metropolis to be experienced over more than a few days, but we'll be detailing several places and things that simply can't be left undone. Join us, but watch where you step.
You MUST see the Grand Palace for yourself.
If there's something you need to understand about Thailand, it's that the king and veneration of the royal family is everywhere, and it gets glitzy. The Grand Palace in the center of Bangkok should be first on your itinerary to come to terms with this, as it's really less of a Palace and more of a village built of gold and richly hued mosaics.
You don't have to worry about waking up the current King and Queen when visiting hours begin early in the day; the Grand Palace is only used for events and backgrounds of tourist photographs these days. Still, the history is palpable, or nearly so as there's one building completely dedicated to illustrating the story of the Ramayana.
The Grand Palace is kind of like Bangkok's Empire State Building; everyone visiting makes a pilgrimage to see it, happily pays the entry fee, reads the little plaques describing the history of various areas, and leaves feeling culturally enlightened. Now amplify the gold tile use, demon statues and temples surrounded by gilded columns and you've got the Thai experience. And if you're about to explore the rest of the city, there's no better way to prep for the pure excess.
Disclosure: We were a guest of the Travel Authority of Thailand for some travel and accommodations, but rest assured all photos and opinions are completely our own.
[Photos: Cynthia Drescher for Jaunted]
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