Considered the number one tourist 'must see' in Bangkok, the Royal Palace is an easy boat ride up the Chao Praya. (We love these boat trips!) A couple of photos of the waterfront structures, including some that look like they may collapse into the water before we make the return trip.
Not unusual to see a 5-star hotel overlooking a "modest" waterfront dwelling.
The Royal Palace is a short walk from the pier with several signs along the way warning people to: 'Beware of Wily Strangers'. How quaint!
Who knew the Palace closed at 3:30?? We arrive at 3:25 obviously not having checked the hours in advance. Not a big disappointment, I must admit. The admission price is steep ($15+ each) and the grounds are a delight. And the people-watching is wonderful! A couple of shots of the grounds -
The Palace Police force marches up and down - somewhat in step.
I did not get a photo of the icons of prohibited attire - they included: torn pants, short shorts, see-through tee shirts (that was an interesting icon!), halter tops, and midriff tops. Maybe that's what the police force is tasked to enforce!
Lots and lots of tour groups, overwhelmingly Chinese, a goodly number of Germans, and a smattering of Thais. We didn't hear any English spoken.
One of our fellow passengers on the way home on the water taxi is a monk. I remember something I read in LP: on a boat, women are prohibited from touching a monk or his robe (even inadvertently), standing 'too close' to him, or sitting down next to him. No explanation, no rationale, no stating what the consequences are . . .
Early dinner at a wonderful restaurant across the (busy) road from our flat. We asked one of the desk personnel what they recommended and this is a winner! The name was in Thai, the menu was extensive, and by the time we paid the bill (a whopping $8 for two entrees and a Chang), every table was full and every patron was a local.
Tomorrow we're off to Kanchanaburi - our first Thai train trip!
Not unusual to see a 5-star hotel overlooking a "modest" waterfront dwelling.
The Royal Palace is a short walk from the pier with several signs along the way warning people to: 'Beware of Wily Strangers'. How quaint!
Who knew the Palace closed at 3:30?? We arrive at 3:25 obviously not having checked the hours in advance. Not a big disappointment, I must admit. The admission price is steep ($15+ each) and the grounds are a delight. And the people-watching is wonderful! A couple of shots of the grounds -
The Palace Police force marches up and down - somewhat in step.
I did not get a photo of the icons of prohibited attire - they included: torn pants, short shorts, see-through tee shirts (that was an interesting icon!), halter tops, and midriff tops. Maybe that's what the police force is tasked to enforce!
Lots and lots of tour groups, overwhelmingly Chinese, a goodly number of Germans, and a smattering of Thais. We didn't hear any English spoken.
One of our fellow passengers on the way home on the water taxi is a monk. I remember something I read in LP: on a boat, women are prohibited from touching a monk or his robe (even inadvertently), standing 'too close' to him, or sitting down next to him. No explanation, no rationale, no stating what the consequences are . . .
Early dinner at a wonderful restaurant across the (busy) road from our flat. We asked one of the desk personnel what they recommended and this is a winner! The name was in Thai, the menu was extensive, and by the time we paid the bill (a whopping $8 for two entrees and a Chang), every table was full and every patron was a local.
Tomorrow we're off to Kanchanaburi - our first Thai train trip!
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