The Great Palace

The Great Palace at night

Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes. The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe. The Great Palace was built in 1877 by King Rama V as his Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized architectural landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which was formerly used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by reception areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central room on the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes of Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.

Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Thus the following dress - code (applicable to both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:
1. Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights can’t be worn as outer garments.
2. See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers can’t be worn.
3. Sleeveless shirts or vests can’t be worn as outer garments.
4. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can’t be worn.
5. All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can’t be rolled up.
6. Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers can’t be worn. 

source: http://www.tourismthailand.org/

Floating Market

There are countless floating markets in Thailand, that only cost a couple of hours’ from the capital, Bangkok.

Starting with a long tail boat through the whole floating market.

Some local people are living along the riverside.

The vendors in floating market that sell so many different kinds of goods, fresh fruits, vegetables, clothes, local foods and souvenirs. Floating markets were for local people to buy daily groceries, but now they become popular touris sites for foreigners. 

This bustling market is open at the early morning and the most crowded time is at the midday.

I really enjoied shopping in floating market, which was very interesting for me because I didn't have experienced before. The most impressed me is barganning with merchants at a satisfied price which gave me a sense of achievement. The only thing that I concerned during in market was falling off from long tail boat. For me, this is a unforgetable experience of "shopping". So I strongly recommend people to visit floating market in Thailand.

If you want more information, please check http://www.tourismthailand.org/campaign/en/

                                 

                                 All the pictures above photographed by Teresa.