Bangkok classics

At the heart of Bangkok, and indeed Thailand itself.

The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho form a triad that symbolizes the city’s beginnings. Wat Arun, the majestic and imposing stupa by the river, prompted the later king Taksin to establish a new city here.

The Grand Palace was built by his successor as the centerpiece of the nation, and Wat Pho, a monastery for hundreds of years, gained prominence with the construction of the 46-meter reclining Buddha.

Grand Palace

When construction of the new capital Bangkok began in 1782, the Grand Palace took top priority.

It was where the king would reside, serve as the center of government, and house Thailand’s most important statue, the Emerald Buddha, within its walls.

Even today, the Grand Palace plays a crucial role in the life of the Thai king. It’s where important guests are received and royal ceremonies take place.

Only the king is allowed to change the Emerald Buddha’s garments at Wat Phra Kaew Temple, three times a year.

During this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to glimpse inside this temple and experience the overwhelming grandeur of the rest of the Grand Palace.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho houses over a thousand Buddha statues, with the spectacular 46-meter long reclining Buddha being the most striking.

Next to the reclining Buddha, you’ll see the temple’s four main stupas. Each was placed by kings and contains relics of Buddha and the ashes of early Chakri dynasty monarchs.

Wat Arun

Afterward, we cross the river by ferry to the place where Bangkok began in the 18th century, where the iconic Thai landmark, Wat Arun, stands.

The temple is one of the oldest in the city, but all attention is drawn to the majestic prang (spire) towering approximately 80 meters high.

Even from the water, you can’t look away, but the prang becomes even more beautiful up close when you see the pagoda richly decorated.

This visit offers an immersive experience into the cultural and historical significance of these iconic landmarks of Bangkok.

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