Travel Log

Bangkok, Thailand

 
 The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, when he moved the capital across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time. The present King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, however, resides at the Chitralada Palace.

The Grand Palace has an area of 218,400 sq. metres and is surrounded by walls built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900 metres. Within these walls are situated government offices and the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha besides the royal residences.

When Siam restored law and order after the fall of Ayutthaya the monarch lived in Thonburi on the west side of the river. Rama I, on ascending the throne, moved the centre of administration to this side of the Chao Phraya; and, after erecting public monuments such as fortifications and monasteries, built a palace to serve not only as his residence but also his offices--the various ministries, only one of which remains in the palace walls.

This palace came to be known as the Grand Palace, in which the earliest edifices contemporary with the foundation of Bangkok were the two groups of residences named the Dusit Maha Prasat and the Phra Maha Monthian.

For more information please visit: http://palaces.thai.net/night/index_gp.htm  and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palace.

There are many interesting specials being offered for this part of the world right now -if you have any interest, please give me a call or drop me an email.

Thanks to M. Wilkins for the use of his photo from his last trip in 2008 (http://cherishedrc.com/malcolm-wilkins-bio.html).

 

 

 

Phuket, Thailand

 

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket offers many island adventures, water sports, eco-tours and cultural experiences. Here is a list featuring 10 of the top things a visitor should do when in Phuket:

1. Full Day Phi Phi Island Tour by Speedboat

2. Similan Island Stopover

3. Phang Nga Bay Cruise on June Bahtra Junk

4. Phuket FataSea Show

5. Golfing Day at Blue Canyon

6. Sea Kayaking Hong by Starlight

7. Whitewater Rafting and Elephant Trekking

8. Phuket Eco Extreme by ATV

9. Khao Sok Jungle Safari Overnight Tour

10. Phuket Eco Adventure Tour in the Chalong highlands

The value of the US dollar to the Thai Bhat is about 1USD = 35 Thai Bhat. That is a great value in today's economy! There are many rental houses/flats available and many tour packages which include incredible values (air/hotel/transfers/tours for example). If you are not sure where to go this year, Phuket might just be an option for you. Email (Susan@CriticsChoiceVacations.com or call (480-831-9076) to explore the perfect packge deal for YOU!  

Thanks M. R. for the use of your photo from your bedroom window! :-)  : www.maksviews.com

Bangkok, Thailand

In the photo above is one of the famous floating markets located just about an hour outside Bangkok. The markets sell fresh produce and choose to make their sales floating on the canals versus setting up markets in the streets. A few other great  highlights not to be missed while in Bangkok are as follows:

1.  Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew : towering golden chedi, ornately decorated interiors and the much revered though diminutive Emerald Buddha. Fine murals are also on display, and there is a decorations and coins museum on site. Located in the historic Rattanakosin district.

2. Wat Po: located beside the neo-baroque Grand Palace, Wat Po is a complex of stunning temples with intermingling spires of intricate and ornate design. The most outstanding attraction is the massive, 40 meter reclining Buddha which is one of the most impressive and certainly the largest in all of Thailand. Also noted for its ancient school of massage. 

3. Bangkok’s most exotic landmark Wat Arun: with its spectacular river side location and the soaring 82 meter spire set right in the center of the temple, Wat Arun is another of Bangkok’s top attractions. It’s also one of the oldest, pre-dating the founding of Bangkok when the original capital was set up in Thon Buri in across the river. Makes an excellent sunset backdrop from river boats.

These are just a few of the great highlights from Bangkok. There are many tour companies that can put together great itineraries for trips to anywhere in Asia. Now is the perfect time to start planning your next exotic adventure to Asia. Call or email now for some exciting package deals!

(Thanks to S. Atlee for the use of his photo from his recent trip).....Some of the above text taken from 1Stop Bangkok.