Author: jmaurizi

Golden Teak Museum

Located very close to the Tha Chang pier, The Golden Teak Museum is a well done interpretive museum. All signs are in both Thai and English. I found it has more to do with the history of the donation the building and of important Buddhist Monks than it has to do with Teak.
The floors are would and very clean. Staff ask you to remove your shoes when entering the building. The admission is 30 baht. Even if you are not interested, this was a good place to get out of the stifling heat. I don’t think they offer a tour guide but I was the only person in the museum so one of the staff, Paht, showed me around.

There are two floors with the second floor being geared toward past important Monks and Kings of Thailand. There is a lot to read on the display signs throughout museum. It could take some time to get through it all.

Address: Si Ayutthaya 21 Alley, Khwaeng Wachira Phayaban, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand

Author: jmaurizi

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is attached in a way to Wat Phra Kaew and the 500 baht entrance fee covers both. There is a little less to see at the Grand Palace compared to Wat Phra Kaew but just as spectacular. The ground are beautifully manicured and the military guard are in dress whites. Very impressive. There is a significant temple just past the palace called Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat. No photos are permitted inside. There is also a weapons museum, but again no photos are permitted inside. I walked through and it was small but interesting.

If you are fortune enough to catch the changing of the guard you are lucking. It is short but impressive. It is funny watching all the visitors jump in front of the guards as they are marching. Some not moving until the guards are right on top of them. Have to get that perfect shot I guess. But it seemed a little disrespectful. It is one thing to snap a quick picture but to block the way of the march is too far.

Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Author: jmaurizi

Wat Phra Kaew

This is one of the most spectacular temples I have ever seen. The official name of Wat Phra Kaew is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The temple was built in 1792 by King Rama I to house the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is not really emerald but it only refers to the color. The Buddha is carved out of a single piece of Jade. The Buddha was originally found in Chiang Rai in 1434. It has quite a history of how it made its way to Bangkok.

The structures are very ornate and beautiful. This is one of the main tourist attractions in Thailand and I can see why. When you first walk through the main wall, the entrance is guarded by two Yakshis, which are mythical giants. Immediately in front of the Yakshis is a large gold chedi, Phra Si Rattana. Directly behind that is the library, Phra Mondop. And in line with the first two is Thep Bidon. This was to be the original location for the Emerald Buddha but King Rama V, thought it to be too small for ceremonies. The temple housing the Emerald Buddha is parallel to these three structures through another gate. No photos are permitted to be taken in the temple where the Buddha is. It is very impressive.

The entrance fee is now 500 baht and this included Wat Phra Kaew, The Grand Palace and Queen Sirikit’s Museum of Textiles. One interesting thing here, there is no gift shop selling any images of the Buddha. This is unlike all the other temples I visited in Bangkok.

This attraction should be a high priority if visiting Bangkok for the first time.

Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Author: jmaurizi

Oak Creek Espresso

This is a very convenient restaurant serving up breakfast and lunch. It is very popular with locals. Orders are taking at the counter. Once your order is places, they give you a plastic animal to place on your table so when the food comes out, they can identify which table gets the meal. Inside is a modern design with two rooms of seating.

We came here two days in a row because the food was good and it was convenient to where we were staying. The first day I ordered the Southwest Breakfast Burrito which has Scrambled eggs, pepper jack cheese, red onion, Roma tomatoes, fresh spinach, fire roasted green chili and a choice of Applewood smoked ham, pork & sage sausage, or turkey bacon. I had it with the sausage. It was very good and I almost ordered it the second day but went for the Breakfast Muffin Sandwich which has Scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and choice of Applewood smoked ham, pork & sage sausage, or turkey bacon. Served on a toasted sourdough English muffin with fresh fruit on the side. Again I had it with the sausage. Another good meal.

I would definitely return here for breakfast!

Address: 6500 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 6:30am to 5:00pm

Author: jmaurizi

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of the most important temples in Bangkok. It’s official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The Wat Pho name comes from the temples previous name, Wat Photharam. Thankfully, someone decided to use Wat Pho instead of the official name. The Wat Pho complex covers an area of about 20 acres and is very close to the Grand Palace.

The main attraction at Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. Other things of note are that there are 99 Chedi throughout the complex. There are 4 large Phra Maha Stupas which are dedications to King Rama I through IV.

There are a few rules stressed when you arrive, most of all is to dress appropriately. There are signs posted for women not to wear shorts, short skirts nor shirts that expose the shoulders or back. It is hot in Bangkok and I observed many tourist not prepared for this. These rules are more towards anyone that wants to enter a temple, not just the grounds. Before entering the temple, all should remove shoes, hats and most temples will provide a robe for women to cover their legs and shoulders if they are exposed.

Reclining Buddha

The most famous attraction at Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. The Buddha is 15 meters high and 43 meters long. The impressive feet of the Buddha are 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long. The feet have 108 auspicious symbols on the bottom. Lined along the inner wall of the temple is 108 bowls. Visitors can purchase coins to drop in the bowls that is believed to bring good fortune. It is quite a scene. A few things to note. There several signs inside the temple warning visitors to mind their belonging and be alert as pick-pocket artist have been known to work and steal from people as they admire the Buddha. Also, I would recommend bringing a wide angle lens to capture the entire Buddha.

Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn

These four large pagodas are located just inside the white wall. Each is a dedication to one of the King Rama’s I to IV and all are the same height at 42 meters. Each is decorated in mosaic tile with a different color theme for each. The green tile mosaic pagoda is Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanpetdayarn , built in the reign of King Rama I containing relics of Lord Buddha. The one with white-tile mosaic is Phra Maha Chedi Dilok Dhammakaroknitarn, representing the reign of King Rama II, was built by his son, King Rama III. The yellow tile mosaic pagoda, Phra Maha Chedi Muni Batborikharn, is also built by King Rama III for his own reign and for the praise of Buddha. The dark blue tile mosaic, Phra Maha Chedi Song Phra Srisuriyothai, represents the reign of King Rama IV or King Mongkut.
It cost 100 Baht to enter Wat Pho. This is not bad considering that after you enter, you are given a free bottle of water and a free access code for wifi. The complex is open daily from 8:30am to 6:30pm.

Address: Tha Tien Pier, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Directions: The entrance to Wat Pho is on Chetuphon road.