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Bangkok Grand Palace

November 28, 2013 by David Herd

Iconic Bangkok Temple

Bangkok Grand Palace 

Bangkok Grand Palace

Bangkok Grand Palace is quite remarkable, put it at the top of your list of places to see. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.

The photo above is Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as seen from the Outer Court.

Big crowds arrive every day.

Bangkok Grand Palace

The late monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), used to reside at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Phra Si Ratana Chedi

Bangkok Grand Palace

Phra Si Ratana Chedi, a 19th-century stupa built in Sri Lankan style enshrining ashes of the Buddha.

Entrance to Wat Phra Kaew.

Bangkok Grand Palace

As regards the historical legend of Wat Phra Kaew, it was originally known as the “Wat Pa Yia”, (Bamboo Forest Monastery) in the Chiang Rai province of Northern Thailand. The wat was struck by a lightning storm in 1434, when the octagonal Chedi broke up and revealed the Emerald Buddha (made of Jade), locally known as Phra Kaew Morakot. From there it was moved, initially to Vientianne and finally to Bangkok where it was deified in the temple by the original name, Wat Phra Kaew.

Another legend mentions that attempts made by the King of Chiang Mai to possess the statue after it was found in 1434; these failed thrice because the elephants transporting the statue refused to proceed beyond a crossroad in Lampang. The King of Chiang Mai considered the incident to be a strong divine directive and allowed the Buddha statue to remain in Lampang, where it remained for the next 32 years in an exclusively built temple.


Lots of photo opportunities at the Bangkok Grand Palace

Bangkok Grand Palace

The Palace is a photographers paradise.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Royal Pantheon)

Bangkok Grand Palace

The Royal Pantheon was constructed during the reign of King Rama IV in 1855. He intended to place the Emerald Buddha here but the building was not completed until after his death. His successor, King Rama V, considered the building too small to accommodate the congregation at royal ceremonies so the Emerald Buddha was not placed in this building. A small gilt stupa belonging to King Rama IV was placed there instead.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat

Bangkok Grand Palace

The throne hall forms the front or the facade of the entire building group. In front of the throne hall is the Rathakit Field; on either side of the throne hall are the Phrom Sopha Gates. The throne hall is constructed in an eclectic style, a blend of Thai and European (more specifically Renaissance or Italianate) styles. The lower part of the structure is European, while the upper part is in Thai-styled green and orange tiled roofs and golden spires or prasats.

Bangkok Grand Palace, Monks at the Throne Hall.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Their orange robes are a great contrast to the trees in the background.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Bangkok Grand Palace

The Bangkok Grand Palace is probably Thailand’s number one attraction.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Two elephants and one lonely guard on duty.

There are lots on nice hotels along the river with fabulous views.

Fantastic monuments.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Absolutely spectacular.

Gold, gold, lots of gold.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Give yourself plenty of time as the Palace is huge.

Smile

Bangkok Grand Palace

  Mother & daughter having fun at the Bangkok Grand Palace.  

The students wanted to interview us for a project.

Bangkok Grand Palace

I guess they had a project from school to interview a foreigner. 

We could be twins.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Thanks for visiting Bangkok Grand Palace photo blog, put it on your bucket list.

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.    

When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINK you will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.

Bangkok Budget Sukhumvit Hotels

The best Bangkok budget hotel I have ever stayed in.

                             Here are some more posts to check out     
Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)
 

 

Click here to see my post on Krabi.

 

Here is a great Bangkok shopping Mall

 

Check out my Pattaya webcam

 


Everything you wanted to know about Bangkok but were afraid to ask. 🙂

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Koh Larn Island is close to Pattaya

September 27, 2013 by David Herd

Here is my live webcam from my balcony overlooking Pattaya beach in Thailand.

Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn Island is close to Pattaya, in fact it is only 35 minutes by ferry from Bali Hai Wharf at the end off  Walking St. Many people take the speedboats every morning from Pattaya beach, they cost between 1,500 and 2,500 Baht depending on the size of the boat.

Pattaya City sign

Koh Larn Island

I guess Pattaya wanted to be like the Hollywood of Asia.


Thousands head for Koh Larn.

Koh Larn Island

Every morning thousands of Chinese tourists head for Koh Larn.

Dolphin seafood restaurant.

Koh Larn Island

As we get under way we pass the Dolphin seafood restaurant which doesn’t look too impressive in daylight but when lit up at night it is quite spectacular. One the right overlooking the bay is the Pattaya Hilton.


 

Royal Cliff Hotel.

Koh Larn Island

Looking to the left or Port to be more accurate we see the Royal Cliff Hotel, it opened in 1974 & in fact was where I stayed on my first visit to Pattaya in 1980. Look closely and you will see the elevator that takes you down to Cosy beach.

Behind the ferry is Royal Cliff hotel.

Koh Larn Island

Please always make sure you have a life jacket close by.

Koh Krok.

Koh Larn Island

Koh Krok is a small island about 8 km off Koh Larn, popular for diving and snorkeling.

Na Ban pier Koh Larn

Koh Larn Island

Ferries go to both sides of the island, Tawaen beach is on the other side.

The crowd arrives.

Koh Larn Island

B30 is great value for the 40 minute trip.

Tawaen Beach.

Koh Larn Island

Every morning on Pattaya beach thousand of tourists, mainly Chinese (some Indians) climb aboard at least one hundred speedboats and head for Koh Larn. There is one place on Koh Larn where they all gather like lemmings, Tawaen Beach. They really should change the name to China beach, they are all here crammed together like sardines, but I guess if you come from China you are used to crowds. 

Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

Two Russians among 2000 Chinese on Tawaen beach at Koh Larn.

Tawaen Beach.

Koh Larn Island

 

As you can see the water is so much nicer than Pattaya.

Glass bottomed boat for viewing fish.

Koh Larn Island

Boats of all shapes and sizes come to the island.

Fresh seafood at Tawaen beach.

Koh Larn Island

Lots of fresh seafood here, the restaurants are huge and packed with people from 11 am.

At 11 am everyone is hungry.

Koh Larn Island

Thousands of Chinese tourists visit every day. They travel by speedboat not by ferry.

 

Tawaen pier.

Koh Larn Island

This is the most crowded beach on Koh Larn Island.

 Sangwan beach

Koh Larn Island

Unless you are completely crazy and love being swallowed up by thousands of Chinese tourists, walk 5 minutes around the corner to a much quieter and more peaceful Sangwan beach.


Beautiful Sangwan beach Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

Now this is more my style, not so busy and close to the pier.

Lookout point at Sangwan beach.

Koh Larn Island

The colour of the water here reminds me of when I was in Cancun in 2001.

Photo shoot at Sangwan beach.

Koh Larn Island

The water here is so clear and clean unlike Pattaya beach only a short distance to the east.

Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

At the north of the island is a delightful little beach named Tai Yai. Almost deserted with beautiful clear water. Only one small Thai restaurant but very few people on the beach.

Posing on Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

Gorgeous young girl striking a pose on Tai Yai beach.

The only restaurant on Tai Yai beach.

Koh Larn Island

A very peaceful part of the island.

 

 Samae Beach

Koh Larn Island

The solar array looks like a weird spacecraft.   There is a very nice, large Resort located just steps from the beach called Xanadu. They have free shuttle service from Naban Pier for their guests. They also have a conference hall that can accommodate 200 people.  

Samae Beach Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn Island

  Here I am with my friend Irina from Ukraine in November 2014.  

Ferries waiting for the crowds.

Koh Larn Island

Make sure you check the timetable so you don’t miss the last ferry.

David Herd at Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

Well folks, many thanks for visiting my blog on Koh Larn Island, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed being there. Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/

Sabai Wing Soi 1 North Pattaya

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Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $30 usd per night as of 2017. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.

For something a little more upmarket overlooking the beach book through THIS LINK.

  Please check out these fabulous posts
Holiday Inn

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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

 

 

 

When you come back from Koh Larn check out the Pattaya beer bars

 

Make sure you see the LadyBoy show in Pattaya.

 

Some great views in Pattaya

 

Check out Walking St

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Southern tropical Thai island

August 30, 2013 by David Herd

Koh Chang is a place to relax

Southern tropical Thai island

Southern tropical Thai island

Southern tropical Thai island, beautiful white sand beaches and pristine clear water. Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches, most half deserted. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking. The “discovery” of the island as a tourist destination since 2000 has brought on a large amount of rapid development, and while still far quieter than places like Phuket or Koh Samui, it’s probably better to go now than later.

The beach at Coconut resort.

Southern tropical Thai island

Ko Chang has the same seasons as Bangkok. The best season to go is the (comparatively) cool season between November and February. March to May are roasting hot and between June and October it rains, and a lot at that: 4,000 mm in an average year. Many guest houses close during this season, so accommodation is limited.

 Coconut beach resort

Southern tropical Thai island

Coconut beach resort is just south of White Sands beach, it is very peaceful and relaxing with some bars & restaurants across the road. They have bungalows on the beach or more modern rooms if you prefer.

Bungalows on the beach

Southern tropical Thai island

 Koh Chang has turned into a major tourist destination, both for foreigners and local Thais.   This sudden tourism boom however, has been fraught with controversy concerning land use, etc. The government is trying to “develop” it from a backpackers’ paradise to a top-level destination, and construction work is going on throughout the island, with basic huts torn down to make way for fancy resorts. Sadly it will end up being another case of “paradise lost”.

Southern tropical Thai island White Sands Beach 

Southern tropical Thai island

White Sands Beach has lots of hotels and restaurants.

My friend from Beijing

Southern tropical Thai island

Mable & I met in Beijing last year so I flew her over to spend some time with me in Thailand.

Southern tropical Thai island beach bungalows

Southern tropical Thai island

When you stay in a bungalow it seems to feel more like a Southern tropical Thai island.

Peace and serenity

Southern tropical Thai island

Beautiful calm waters of Koh Chang.

Gorgeous children

Southern tropical Thai island

Such happy beautiful faces

Starting very young

Southern tropical Thai island

They start learning to box at a very young age.

Chang means Elephant in Thai.

Southern tropical Thai island

Elephants are such wonderful beasts.

 Koh Chang sunset

Southern tropical Thai island

There are some wonderful sunsets in Thailand.

Beautiful Koh Chang

Southern tropical Thai island

It would be ten long years before I would go back to this lovely Southern tropical Thai island

 

         Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.

       

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 
 

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Bangkok travel tips with photos

August 2, 2013 by David Herd

Bangkok, one of Asia’s most dynamic & exciting cities.

Bangkok travel tips with photos, I hope I can offer some travel tips & advice to help you plan your trip to Bangkok one of the great Asian cities.

Bangkok travel tips

Below is the magnificent Sirocco restaurant at the Dome in Bangkok, a magic experience awaits you, located on the 63rd floor with breathtaking views of the City of Angels, ph(66) 2624-9555 click here.

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can’t be too careful with your company
I can feel the devil walking next to me

Murray Head released One Night in Bangkok in 1984.

Murray Head - One Night In Bangkok "From CHESS"

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 2 hours north of Bangkok.

Bangkok travel tips

An excellent adventure.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Bangkok travel tips

The Grand Palace  is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

 
MBK shopping center Bangkok

Bangkok travel tips

Lots of bargains to be had here.

Bangkok is famous for it’s traffic jams.

Bangkok travel tips

Bangkok travel tips, it is so much easier to get around the city using the Sky Train.

Bangkok is famous for its Street food.

Bangkok travel tips

Thai people love to eat out on the street, it is so cheap it’s not worth the effort to cook at home.

They not only eat on the street they shop there also.

Bangkok travel tips

Street vendors are all over the city selling all types of gadgets, food etc. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 
 

 

Super travel tips & information.

Hotel bookings. For the best deals in Asia, book now and you can choose to pay when you check out.

MBK is one of the best shopping centers in Bangkok, see the above photo, if you want to stay in a good hotel connected to the shopping mall then Pathumwan Princess Hotel is the place for you.

Pratunam market. If markets are more your thing you should stay at an older hotel, the Indra Regent which is across the road from Pratunam markets, which I think are the best in Bangkok. This is a major market selling clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. Enter the small alleys and jam-packed small streets and you will find yourself in the middle of a clothes-maze. Prices are very cheap, you may have to pay retail prices for single pieces.


Bumrumgrad hospital,  great place for all your health needs & checkups

Check out the best rooftop bars in Bangkok.

Bangkok taxis are very cheap, but avoid catching them from outside your hotel, walk up the street a little and always confirm the meter is on before you depart. Many drivers will try to charge an over the top fixed fare, politely decline, get out of the taxi and wait for another one. You can easily negotiate a 2 hour taxi trip to Pattaya for only 1000 Baht.

A Longtail boat river cruise is a great way to see Bangkok, the most popular choice for travelers is stating from the Central Pier at Sathorn (easily access from BTS at Taksin station) cruise to the north and get off at Tha Chang Pier (N 03 pier). The Grand palace wall is opposite to this pier. Views from this route are really fantastic. The fare is just 10 Baht.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 2 hours north of Bangkok is also a must do tour. Here is a nice little YouTube video of the market.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near Bangkok, Thailand

 

 
 Please be very careful in Bangkok

This shocking incident took place on August 23 2013, don’t let it happen to you.

Two Thai policemen have been arrested and authorities were hunting for two others yesterday for allegedly kidnapping and extorting money from Italian tourists. The officers were arrested in Bangkok on Friday after Interpol lodged a complaint against them, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported yesterday.

Danillo de Vito, 51, and Antonio Di Muno, 62, were allegedly detained by four policemen last Monday, hours after they arrived in the kingdom on holiday, while withdrawing cash from an ATM, Metropolitan Police commander Suebsak Pansuri said. They were accused of using a fake ATM card, and told to pay 2 million baht ($64,515) for police to drop charges.

The Italians managed to reduce the amount by half and alerted their relatives in Italy to the scam when calling them to ask for the money. Their relatives alerted Italian police who passed on the complaint to Interpol. Police found the two Italians in a Bangkok motel on Tuesday, after they had already transferred the money to Thailand. The two men were unharmed.

Police have also arrested an Uzbekistani national, Muhiddin Sharipov, who acted as interpreter for the police officers, The Nation newspaper reported yesterday.

Bangkok travel tips & other posts I have on this great city I hope will help you enjoy this great city.

Click on the photo below to see my post on Chiang Mai.

 

Two hours south of Bangkok is Thailand’s sin city Pattaya, click here.

 

 

 

Jet Ski scammers

bangkok travel tips

 Along the Beach Road in Pattaya, often between Soi 10 and Soi 13/4 (entrance to Walking Street), Thai Jet Ski touts will approach the tourist. Most likely time to witness the scam unfolding would be between 5pm – 5:30pm as it is getting dark. Particularly outside Mike Shopping Mall, Royal Garden Plaza, and Soi 13/2 to Soi 13/4. The tourist is required to sign a contract with the Jet Ski operators before they board the Jet Ski and have their fun. Cost is around 700 baht ($20) for thirty minutes. When the tourist returns to the beach the Thai Jet Ski operator will board the Jet Ski and bring it up on to the beach. Here is where the scam starts, as they (theatrically and dramatically) point out the damage and demand that the tourist pay for it, typically ranging anywhere from 30,000 baht ($950) to 70,000 baht ($2,200), but it can be 100,000 baht ($3,180) and up. Of course this damage (deep scrapes on the underside of the Jet Ski, scratches to the paintwork, or a broken plastic bumper) has been there all the time. Often, if not most times, it is a group of tourists that are scammed. More people, more money.

If they use the version of the scam where the tourist boards the Jet Ski when it is already submerged in the water, thus hiding the damage that is already on the underside, the scammers don’t need to cover the damaged areas. The damage is revealed once they bring it on to the shore after the tourist has rented it.

More government warnings etc here.

Be careful, you have been warned.

Everything you wanted to know about Bangkok but were afraid to ask. 🙂

 

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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