Directions and Recommendation

[clara03]

I plan to visit Grand Palace, Wat Pho/Wat Arun and Asiatique in a day.

From my understanding, I have to take BTS to Saphan Taksin and below the BTS, take a Chao Phraya River boat (Orange flag) to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier.

How about from Grand Palace to Wat Pho or Wat Arun? Do I go back to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier and take the same boat to Wat Pho/Wat Arun? At which stop do I have to get down?

And from Wat Pho/Arun to Asiatique, do I take the same boat too?

Is it more worth going Wat Pho or Wat Arun?

 

[ApeTruelove]

U can go all if u have time since is the same ferry route. But nt sure about asiatique. I think is diff

 

[dede1217]

Have only taken boat from saphan taksin to asiatique
the boat comes every 30 min
duration is 15min to reach there ...

 

[dlrowehtleah]

1. if you stay at the southern part of bangkok, it's easier to reach the rattanakosin area (grand palace area) by boat. otherwise, you'll be making a big loop.

2. grand palace (and there is a famous wat phrakaew within) and wat pho are just next to each other on the same side of the river. the side which you disembark from boat. wat arun is acoss the river from the former 2 landmarks mentioned. you can catch a river crossing boat from Tha Tien (aka Tien Pier) to reach wat arun.
https://www.google.com.sg/maps/@13.746436,100.4912236,16.75z

3. asiatique is to the southern part of saphan taksin pier (Central pier), whereas grand palace and the lots are to the north of the same pier. so u need to take the downstream boat back to saphan taksin pier, disembark and catch the right service to asiatique. no they are different boats because the boat plying asiatique route is free (iirc), whereas the rest of the routes are not.

 

[clara03]

Hi guys

Thanks for your reply!

I got abit blur on how to take their boat from Grand Palace to Wat Pho.

May I confirm the exact directions:-

Grand Palace
Chao Phraya River boat (Orange flag) to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. (Pier No.9)

Wat Pho
Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier to Tha Tian Pier

Asiatique
Tha Tian Pier back to Sathorn Pier and from here take a free shuttle boat

Are the directions the same? Meaning from Sathorn Pier take directly to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. Then from Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier to Tha Tian Pier and from Tha Tian Pier back to Sathorn Pier.

Which are the same place I get off from? How do I know which is which Pier or when do I get off? Will the staff mention or a icon we can see clearly?

Trip in another 2 days. Need advise soonest please. Thank you!

 

[rrr2015]

For Wat Pho, Grand Palace & Wat Arun ... just alight at Tha Thien will do. imho, Wat Pho to Grand Palace is walk-able distance & interesting as along that stretch are many amulets sellers

the boat will make a brief stop at designated floating platform, look out for the pier name or just ask around if not sure

this is pretty useful
http://www.somethingjam.com/wat-pho

boat route information is here
http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/services/route-print.asp

hope that helps ...

 

[dlrowehtleah]

How do I know which is which Pier or when do I get off?

in theory, you can look at the pier sign when the boat is nearing the pier. but pier signs are only found in major stops. in any case, major tourist attractions are considered major stops.

i said "in theory" that is if the boat isn't too full and you get to pick where to stand/sit so that you can have clear visibility of the signage.

when the boat is packed, the conductor will rudely request (or shout at) passengers to move inward or away from the boarding zone (starboard side). if you are standing at the port side, then there is no way you can see the pier sign.

so you have to ask around for help. try to ask the locals who are also on board, they are usually friendly and helpful. alternatively, use your google map.

Will the staff mention or a icon we can see clearly?

generally speaking the conductor will not announce the pier's name. but there are occasions when there are too many people (mostly tourists) asking for a particular pier which is close to an attraction, he/she might say the name out loud when the boat is docking. eg "grand palace .... grand palace". but you can't bank on this as this additional service is erratic.

no icon.

 

[Pegasus Sinbkk]

Hi guys

Thanks for your reply!

I got abit blur on how to take their boat from Grand Palace to Wat Pho.

May I confirm the exact directions:-

Grand Palace
Chao Phraya River boat (Orange flag) to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. (Pier No.9)

Wat Pho
Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier to Tha Tian Pier

Asiatique
Tha Tian Pier back to Sathorn Pier and from here take a free shuttle boat

Are the directions the same? Meaning from Sathorn Pier take directly to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. Then from Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier to Tha Tian Pier and from Tha Tian Pier back to Sathorn Pier.

Which are the same place I get off from? How do I know which is which Pier or when do I get off? Will the staff mention or a icon we can see clearly?

Trip in another 2 days. Need advise soonest please. Thank you!

Suggest u look up on Google maps to get a perspective on where the places are.

Grand palace is opposite the street from Wat Pho - you can cross the road and get there

Start from Saphan Taksin BTS take the public ferry to Tha Chang pier - ask the ticket seller if unsure

Get off at Tha Chang, have a wander around Grand Palace. Walk over to Wat Pho.

If u want to check out a local market, take a ferry ACROSS to Wang Lang pier. Wat Arun is on the same side. You can flag a cab, a motorcycle cab (motosai) or even a tuk tuk. Pls agree on price b4 taking motosai or tuk tuk. Average price around B50 between Wang Lang market & Wat Arun.

 

[exterminazn]

One suggestion for you to look at Google map for an idea first. Asiatique is to the left of pier and temples are right of pier

There are a few colour boats which is classified as public boat and costs more cheaper than a tourist boat.

If u wanna go grand palace and wat pho, take the above mention boats from sathorn pier(sephan taksin bts) and it should travel to the right..... Alight at pier 9 which is closer to grand palace, just look closely at the signboard for the different pier, if not u can also manually count....... After touring grand palace, walk around 15-20mins to wat pho..... To return back sathorn pier, take the other pier closest to wat pho..... If u go back to pier 9, I believe it will take you up north....

To go asiatique, once reach sathorn pier, look for the sign which states asiatique, if not ask around, very easy to identify and the boat will travel in the left direction..... Foc

 

[beanstalk6]

Wat Arun is easily seen from afar, whether you are on the the river or the right bank which has the palace and Wat Po. The Chao Phraya River Express plies the route up and down stream. To get to Wat Arun from the right bank, you have to take one of the cross-river ferry services from Tha Tien, which is the jetty for Wat Po. Wat Po is just behind the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is nearer to Tha Chang. A classic route is to get to Tha Chang for the palace, and then visit Wat Po by walking anti-clockwise from the palace exit and following its walls. You will actually come to a junction which also leads to Tha Tien, so it's easy to get to the jetty after your visit to Wat Po.

 

[clara03]

@rrr2015 / @dlrowehtleah / @Pegasus Sinbkk/ @exterminazn / @beanstalk6
Thanks ALL for the great infomation, kind suggestion and advises. Really helps alot in planning.

Finally got the idea of how to go to Grand Palace and from there to Wat Pho. Guess basically what I have to do is ask around, that's the best way.

I will be skipping Wat Arun - Closes at 5.30PM. Afraid I may not have time.

Can you guys share with me roughly how long did you spent at Grand Palace and Wat Pho respectively?

Understand that there is a strict wear to follow. However, can we still wear slippers?

One of you mentioned that from Grand Palace to Wat Pho is about 15~20 minutes walk. Grand Palace is that far to Wat Pho? I thought it will just take around 5~10 minutes. Kindly of lazy to walk in the hot scorch sun..

 

[clara03]

Here is my rough sketch of itinerary. Need your guys advise and help again.

Day 1
9.30PM - Touch down @ DMK
Purchase SIM data and take a cab to Hotel
After check-in, head to Pratunam Night Market
Q: Anyone knows what time Pratunam NIGHT Market opens till? Is it located behind Baiyoke Sky - Same as Pratunam MORNING Market?
P/S: I have never been to their Pratunam MORNING and NIGHT Market before so not sure how it works.. Only been to the Pratunam Market they open in the stores area.

Day 2
Pratunam Morning Market
Back to Hotel for breakfast and rest
Grand Palace
Wat Pho
Asiatique
Back to Hotel

Day 3
Breakfast at Hotel
Central World
Erawan Shrine
Poh Teck Tung Foundation
Art Box
Back to Hotel

Day 4
Breakfast at Hotel
Chatuchak
Back to Hotel
Q: I am thinking of heading to either Khao San Road OR Talad Rot Fai Market. Anyone can advise which is better? Or any other recommended alternative night market to visit?

Day 5
Breakfast at Hotel
Pratunam Market
Platinum Mall
Big C Supercenter
Back to Hotel

 

[dlrowehtleah]

Understand that there is a strict wear to follow. However, can we still wear slippers?

no. grand palace is a royal compound. so you've to cover your shoulders, knee caps, and toes to enter. i think the only exceptions are toddlers and babies.
wat phrakaew is inside the grand palace. so you've to be in that dress code before you can even reach this temple.
iirc wat pho is also under royal patronage. so the same dress code applies.
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/52480633-post90.html

One of you mentioned that from Grand Palace to Wat Pho is about 15~20 minutes walk. Grand Palace is that far to Wat Pho?

grand palace and wat pho are only separated by a narrow road. but the problem is grand palace is a huge compound, you have to make a big round to reach the back of the palace. there are actually a few exits from grand palace but i think they are blocked/guarded. you may have to enter and get out from the main entrance which is to the north of the compound.

Kindly of lazy to walk in the hot scorch sun..

if you are too lazy, then use google street view from your hotel room lor.
https://www.google.com.sg/maps/plac...99057145cc81:0x7df49a08f511c22e!6m1!1e1?hl=en

 

[exterminazn]

@rrr2015 / @dlrowehtleah / @Pegasus Sinbkk/ @exterminazn / @beanstalk6
Thanks ALL for the great infomation, kind suggestion and advises. Really helps alot in planning.

Finally got the idea of how to go to Grand Palace and from there to Wat Pho. Guess basically what I have to do is ask around, that's the best way.

I will be skipping Wat Arun - Closes at 5.30PM. Afraid I may not have time.

Can you guys share with me roughly how long did you spent at Grand Palace and Wat Pho respectively?

Understand that there is a strict wear to follow. However, can we still wear slippers?

One of you mentioned that from Grand Palace to Wat Pho is about 15~20 minutes walk. Grand Palace is that far to Wat Pho? I thought it will just take around 5~10 minutes. Kindly of lazy to walk in the hot scorch sun..

Yes long pants and covered shoes..... But I still see some people wearing sandals or slippers, guess they slip pass the security.....

Reach grand palace around 0845 and it was alr kinda crowded. Most tour agency bring their client there around 0830-0900. If you wanna beat the crowd, reach at 0800....

Tour and slack at grand palace around 2hrs.... Went out around 1030hrs and too crowded at this timing

I didn't go wat pho, but I walk to the nearby pier and it took around 15 mins. On the way can buy fruits to quench your thirst

 

[dede1217]

like most or even all temples in thailand
in bangkok, phuket, pattaya, for female, you have to cover the shoulder and your knee

if u not wearing anything to cover, you can get a scarf or cloth for free
some places, u need to pay deposit of 100b to loan their scarf
after you exit, u just return them to scarf, and they would return ur depost.

 

[dede1217]

Here is my rough sketch of itinerary. Need your guys advise and help again.

Day 1
9.30PM - Touch down @ DMK
Purchase SIM data and take a cab to Hotel
After check-in, head to Pratunam Night Market
Q: Anyone knows what time Pratunam NIGHT Market opens till? Is it located behind Baiyoke Sky - Same as Pratunam MORNING Market?
P/S: I have never been to their Pratunam MORNING and NIGHT Market before so not sure how it works.. Only been to the Pratunam Market they open in the stores area.

Day 2
Pratunam Morning Market
Back to Hotel for breakfast and rest
Grand Palace
Wat Pho
Asiatique
Back to Hotel

Day 3
Breakfast at Hotel
Central World
Erawan Shrine
Poh Teck Tung Foundation
Art Box
Back to Hotel

Day 4
Breakfast at Hotel
Chatuchak
Back to Hotel
Q: I am thinking of heading to either Khao San Road OR Talad Rot Fai Market. Anyone can advise which is better? Or any other recommended alternative night market to visit?

Day 5
Breakfast at Hotel
Pratunam Market
Platinum Mall
Big C Supercenter
Back to Hotel

pratunam market opens in the morning ...
they close around 6+ local time
platinum mall is 7+ local time

asiatique is better to go after 6pm+ local time
have been there before at about 8+pm local time still ok
tink is better to leave the place and board the boat before 9+ local time ...
we waited the boat for about 20min
else u can also cab there from ur hotel, think max shld be below 100 or 120b

 

[saffronsatire]

Q: Anyone knows what time Pratunam NIGHT Market opens till? Is it located behind Baiyoke Sky - Same as Pratunam MORNING Market?
P/S: I have never been to their Pratunam MORNING and NIGHT Market before so not sure how it works.. Only been to the Pratunam Market they open in the stores area.

replied you in the other thread. not sure if it's the same stalls as i've never been to the morning one (the really early morning one which apparently closes at sunrise). someone i know went before when they stayed at glo, so can just walk over.

i'm guessing different stalls, cos no point to keep setting up and closing up lol. so there are three; the early morning one, the usual day one and the night one. find the night one nothing much though. i went only that once some time ago when i stayed at baiyoke.

 

[clara03]

@dlrowehtleah
Does it mean that Grand Palace to Wat Pho distance is like an end to an end? And Grand Palace is that big (up to the end) whereby I will end up at Wat pho?

@exterminazn
Thought of wearing slippers.. Long jeans already sweat like mad.. Hahaha
Wah you went there so early.. I only thought of going there around 12pm..

@dede1217 / saffronsatire
Pratunam MORNING market is behind the City complex? For normal Pratunam market during normal timing, this I do know how to go.
But still unsure the real location of Pratunam MORNING and NIGHT market.

Any suggestion for my Day 4 after my chatuchak? Any idea where to go? Night market.. Any kind suggestion please?

Once again, thank you all for your help!

 

[dlrowehtleah]

@dlrowehtleah
Does it mean that Grand Palace to Wat Pho distance is like an end to an end? And Grand Palace is that big (up to the end) whereby I will end up at Wat pho?

* yes, grand palace is that big. it basically looks like (it used to be) a fort from the outside.

* the 2 landmarks are not exactly back to back since they are divided by a road.

* if you enter from the north (main entrance) of the grand palace, and head south all the way, you will rightfully ended up in front of wat pho. unfortunately, you can't do that because the southern part of the grand palace (known as inner court) is not opened to public.

 

[exterminazn]

@dlrowehtleah
Does it mean that Grand Palace to Wat Pho distance is like an end to an end? And Grand Palace is that big (up to the end) whereby I will end up at Wat pho?

@exterminazn
Thought of wearing slippers.. Long jeans already sweat like mad.. Hahaha
Wah you went there so early.. I only thought of going there around 12pm..

@dede1217 / saffronsatire
Pratunam MORNING market is behind the City complex? For normal Pratunam market during normal timing, this I do know how to go.
But still unsure the real location of Pratunam MORNING and NIGHT market.

Any suggestion for my Day 4 after my chatuchak? Any idea where to go? Night market.. Any kind suggestion please?

Once again, thank you all for your help!

Do get 3G/4G and you will know the direction.....

Well it's your preference to see what time you wanna go, I plan other actor ivories that's why I go there early and also to avoid crowd