FRANCESCA VERONESI

old_tripadv

Tour con: GetYourGuide
Orari: 6:30 - 15:30 (prelievo dall'hotel)
Costo: 38 euro (variabile in base al periodo) con pranzo incluso
Tappe: Wat Chaiwatthanaram - Wat Lokayasutharam - Wat Phra Sri Sanphet - Ayutthaya - Wat Maha That

Sapevi che Ayutthaya è stata la prima capitale della Thailandia? Il suo parco è considerato Patrimonio dell'Unesco e ancora oggi è una delle città più importanti. Talmente importante da fare parte del lungo vero nome di Bangkok. 
Venne costruita nel 1351 per proteggere le persone da un'epidemia, diventando uno dei centri più importanti. 
Nel 1767 venne invasa, bruciata e saccheggiata. 
Oggi abbiamo la possibilità di vedere quel che rimane di Ayutthaya, in parte poi ricostruito. E' un sito molto suggestivo che vi consiglio di visitare tramite un tour di GetYourGuide. Mi sono venuti a prendere dall'hotel alle 6.30 di mattina e dopo due ore siamo arrivati ad Ayutthaya. Abbiamo visitato diversi luoghi, gustato un bel pranzo offerto dal tour e poi mi hanno riportata a casa. Il costo del tour è di 38euro. E' stata una giornata molto bella e il gruppo con cui mi avevano assegnata era molto simpatico! 

Best to go when cloudy or light rain as you will have less crowds and better pictures. They charge foreigners 50 Bhatt and locals 10 Bhatt. Definitely worth it and keep in mind that you pay on each side of the main street (You will pay 2x if you want to see all the ruins. They have umbrellas to borrow at no charge and make sure you dress appropriately otherwise they will refuse entry (cover up to elbows and knees)

Amazing and peaceful place. There is a 50 Baht charge for admission. Please respect the place. Seen a few ppl step on the holy site for photo shot 🙏🏻😞.

Fantastic display of Thai culture and the significance of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Shame that the city was sacked by Burma and so much was destroyed. But the surviving structures are work the visit. The severed monk statues are a show of the barbarity that was occurring during this time.

Bangkok: la città dai mille volti

Ayutthaya: la città ritrovata

Il mercato di Chatuchak è il mercato più grande di Bangkok. Puoi trovare tantissime cose a prezzi bassissimi. C'è di tutto, dai vestiti, agli oggetti più stravaganti, perciò concediti una giornata per girarlo tutto.
Inoltre puoi trovare ottimo street food. 
Io ho comprato due shorts, una canottiera elegante, un vestito, una camicetta, due top e una magliettina spendendo in totale 40euro! Il mercato è molto affollato e bisogna sempre contrattare per i prezzi. 
Attenzione ai fake, però! Tendono a venderti roba falsa spacciandola per roba di marca. 
Entrata: gratuita
Orari: venerdì 18.00-24.00
Sabato e domenica 9.00-18.00

WOW this place is huge 😯 The market has everything for anyone. If you know what you want you will find it... eventually 😉 There are so many stalls and so much stuff it's truly amazing. Plus massage, pharmacy, bars and food galore. Make sure to give yourself at least a minimum of 4hr to see the bulk of this extensive place. There is also an indoor air conditioned mall too. Try not to get lost 😂 Enjoy 😜

I recently visited Chatuchak Weekend Market, and it was a great experience overall. The market is massive, with a wide variety of stalls selling everything from clothes to souvenirs. However, I would highly recommend going in the evening. The weather is more pleasant, and the whole market has a nice vibe after sunset.

One thing to note, though, is that if you're looking to buy clothes, I found prices to be higher compared to markets in Delhi. So, while it's a fun place to explore, you may not always find the best deals on clothing. Overall, it's still worth a visit for the unique items and atmosphere!

Be prepared to explore the nooks and crannies of this huge market. I read reviews saying they start opening at 9am but in reality most only start opening by 10am. Go early in the morning to escape the heat and crowd!

It’s a great experience wandering the streets and seeing what’s around. I recommend reading the map online first and planning your routes. Personally feel sections 2-4 will be the best with the younger crowd (items from indie/hip/local artists).

Reduced one star because the clothes were of pretty bad dye quality. All 4 pieces I bought from 3 different stores leaked color so badly even after 20 washes they weren’t fully clear. Even one that I got at 500baht was also having the same problem.

Massage was cheap!

Mercato di Chatuchak 

Il palazzo reale di Bangkok è meraviglioso. Credo sia stato una delle cose che mi è piaciuta di più. I templi sono bellissimi e ci sono molte cose da vedere. Purtroppo è sempre affollato. 
Con il biglietto è compreso anche uno spettacolo di danza thailandese al Teatro Reale che ti consiglio di vedere!
Mi raccomando copriti le gambe e le spalle se no non ti fanno entrare!
Entrata 500 baht, circa 13euro
Orari: 8.30-15.30

It’s a good place to visit if you haven’t been to any of the Asian castles of that type. It provides you with a huge contrast with e.g. European style castles. Good to visit once, but to me going back is hardly an option and also going here would not make much sense if you have been to a similar place before (in Bangkok or other similar Asian cities). However, this castle cover it all if you haven’t been to any of those and you are selecting the one to go first time. The decoration and the shape of the buildings is very interesting, as well as large paintings over the whole walls. Overall a borderline 5 stars to me, mainly due to the contrast it provides compared to European architecture and culture

A must see when you are in Bangkok, it's really spectacular and the amount of detail and beauty is hard to take it all in.

Visited during rainy season, very early on a weekday and there were still crowds.  Very well organized and the staff kept the lines moving.

It is a large area, lots of walking and not a lot of shade.  Bring a hat or umbrella and some water.  Dress appropriately.  There are vendors outside selling long pants, shirts and sarongs.

They have free scheduled English language tours, signs are just inside the main entrance.

Nice palace. You can see that most of the architecture is made of gold. The details in the buildings and paintings are great to look at. It’s really warm, even on a cloudy day. Bring a pair of pants and some sunscreen.

Do not pay 1000 baht for a tour guy outside. It’s free inside. The entrance cost is 500 baht.

The Grand Palace e la danza thailandese

Wat Traimit, il Tempio del Buddha d'oro, il cui nome ufficiale è Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan, è un Tempio Reale di Seconda Classe situato a Chinatown.
Il tempio custodisce il Phra Phutta Maha Suwan Patimakonuna, un'imponente statua del Buddha in oro massiccio,  circa 5,500 kg, ed è la statua del Buddha in oro massiccio più grande del mondo!
Entrata: 40 baht, circa 1euro
Orari: 8.00-17.00

Walked to the temple from Chinatown.  Impressive gold Buddha which you can view after buying a 100 Baht ticket and climbing several sets of stairs.  There are quite a few rules you have to observe before and whilst viewing which are listed on signs in English (no shoes on, no video recording allowed etc.) It was quite nice to see people worshipping in front of the Buddha and it was only my self conscious self that stopped me from getting on the floor too.  Besides the Buddha there are donation boxes and small gifts you can buy but be aware some are quite expensive like 800 THB which I think is £18 for a bracelet.  There is a separate souvenir shop that has more reasonably priced items.  I have marked this a 3, only because of one of the attendants where I viewed the Buddha.  I didn't like the sense of being watched with suspicion and noticed that this person was treating all like that even though everyone was very respectful.  Other than that this was a beautiful thing to do and on first sight of the Buddha I was overcome with a feeling of serenity.

It is a very beautiful and peaceful temple. The Buddha statue is made of gold. The interior of the temple is breathtaking. It feels peaceful in the temple. Must visit. There are restrictions for entry in temple, you have to cover your shoulders and knees (women). No caps are allowed. It has a ticket which was included for us in the tour package. The small shop has good souvenirs.

Unique architecture, close to Chinatown within a short distance of walking, there is a beautiful real golden Buddha image at this old temple.

Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan

Pro: 
- camera molto pulita
- staff efficiente
- colazione molto buona
- posizione per il centro eccellente
- qualità prezzo ottima

Cons: 
- essendo vicina a una scuola la mattina c'era un po' di rumore e a volte mi svegliavo presto
- non hanno le persiane perciò entra la luce la mattina

Peace Land Khaosan

Wat Saket o la montagna d'oro è un tempio inerpicato su per una montagna. Il suo nome originale è Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Vihan.
Per raggiungerlo bisogna salire su 344 gradini e lungo il cammino si trovano diverse campane e gong. Suonali! Si dice che portino fortuna. 
All'interno del tempio ci sono diverse immagini del Buddha, ma il momento più bello è osservare il tramonto dalla cima, infatti ti consiglio di andare per orario tramonto.
Alla fine del percorso troverai un albero di foglie dorate. Offrendo una donazione potrai scrivere sopra una foglia quello che vorrai e appenderla all'albero (solitamente si scrivono i nomi della coppia sperando che porti amore eterno).  
Entrata: 50 baht, circa 1,30euro
Orari: 7.00-19.00

Historical site with rich cultural background; worth a detour while you are at Bangkok.

Temple sits on top of a hill, which you will need to climb up a few hundred steps (easily managed as the steps are not steep). The place is calming, with sound of ringing bells as the wind blows.

View of the city below is superb. You get nice unblocked views from the temple.

Love the mist spray that keep the place cool despite the hot Bangkok weather.

Visit to the temple requires purchase of ticket; the proceeds are used for upkeep of the temple grounds.

Really interesting place. I’d highly recommend going here for the views across Bangkok, on a good day you’ll be able to see very far. Interesting temple as well, some intricately designed artefacts. Helpful snd friendly staff. The climb isn’t as bad as it sounds either, you won’t be out of breath at the top. Highly recommend!

This visit to the temple was so calming and rejuvenating. The sound of ringing bells, the winds atop the temple and the prayers; It all made me feel at ease. This feeling; I wish I could have carried this around with me, everywhere I go. The mist spray that welcomed the visitors, at the entry would made you feel cool, even though the weather is a bit hot. I think everyone needs a visit to these sacred temples, from time to time. In these temples, lies so much peace, waiting for each of the visiting souls to come and take back home.

Wat Sa Ket Ratchaworamahawihan (The Golden Mount)

Il tempio del Buddha sdraiato è molto carino perchè si trova un Buddha sdraiato lunghissimo. Il suo nome ufficiale è Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan ed è famoso per essere il luogo dove è nata la prima scuola di massaggio thai.
All'interno ci sono 108 ciotole piene di monete. Per circa 20 baht (50 centesimi), potrete acquistare 108 monete e metterle in ciascuna ciotola. L’obiettivo? Attrarre la buona sorte!
All'uscita c'è un enorme gong. Divertiti a suonarlo. 
Entrata 200 baht, circa 5euro. 
Orari: 8.00-18.00

Few places have impressed us like Wat Pho and its magnificent Reclining Buddha. We arrived early, which allowed us to beat the crowds and fully appreciate the serene beauty of the temple complex. The intricate details of the statues and monuments are awe-inspiring, and the peaceful atmosphere enhances the experience.

Walking around the grounds, we were captivated by the artistry and craftsmanship evident in every corner. The Reclining Buddha, with its immense size and intricate gold-leaf covering, is truly a sight to behold.

We highly recommend visiting Wat Pho. Take your time to explore and soak in the rich history and cultural significance of this remarkable place. It’s a must-see when in Bangkok, offering a unique and deeply enjoyable experience.

Very interesting place. The actual reclining Buddha was much larger than I expected which was a fun surprise. The entrance fee was probably slightly too high for the experience, which is why I’m saying 3 stars. If it was slightly cheaper than it would be a 4. There wasn’t as many tourists as the Grand Palace, but it was still quite crowded even on a Tuesday. I’d recommend coming early to get the best experience. Make sure to wear long trousers. There are lots of people selling trousers cheaply outside so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten to bring some. Worth going to, but be aware there’s not much to do apart from seeing a massive golden reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a popular Bangkok attraction known for its stunning architecture and intricate details. The colossal Reclining Buddha is the centerpiece, and the temple complex features hundreds of other Buddha images, chedis, and courtyards. Despite being a popular tourist destination, Wat Pho maintains a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and arrive early for a peaceful setting. There are lots of people selling trousers cheaply outside, so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten to bring some. The temple is located near the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, but has no parking or smoking. It is reachable by car. There is a shop where you can buy souvenirs and drink water. But that is expensive. You can have lunch or breakfast just outside the premises at a cheaper rate. 300 baht is the entry fee for foreigners.

Tempio del Buddha sdraiato

La China town di Bangkok è davvero grande e ci sono un sacco di cibi strani da provare. Stai attento perchè la sera può diventare abbastanza pericolosa.
Consiglio di andare verso ora di pranzo perchè per le 17.00 smontano tutto. 

Fascinating place with it's many little alleyways and small market stalls selling everything and anything. For me, it is the food products which I find most interesting. Wet Buckets of various food stuffs, guts, chicken bits etc, as well as loads of dried fish and seafood. I just enjoyed wandering around.

Overall I had a great experience! I tried various things there... Both body and mind was satisfied!

Main Street packed with sea food restaurant with shark fins (not worth it), but side alleys are real gems

China town

Wat Arun o Tempio dell'Aurora, è uno dei simboli iconici di Bangkok nel mondo. Il suo nome completo è Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara.
Si crede che chi compie atto di merito in questo tempio e rende omaggio alla statua del Buddha, avrà una vita gloriosa e splendida come il sole sorgente.
E' un tempio molto suggestivo. Lì vicino, inoltre, si trova un negozio che per 300 baht, 8euro, affitta vestiti tipici thailandesi. Io l'ho affittato per un'ora e sono andata al tempio a fare tante foto! Sono davvero stupendi, perciò ti consiglio di farlo. Purtroppo è un po' affollato, soprattutto a orario tramonto. 
Per raggiungere il tempio bisogna attraversare il fiume con il traghetto che costa 4 baht, 10 centesimi. 
Entrata: 50 baht, circa 1,30euro
Orari: 8.00-18.00

The sheer details and magnitude of this temple are absolutely stunning! It’s literally mesmerizing at every level. There are TONS of people here though, so be prepared to wait for unobstructed photos even if you come early. There is also an entrance fee for tourists (cash only - ATM on site), but it’s not bad for what you get to experience. The food vendors near the temple are so delicious and fresh too, and they have Thai-style clothing businesses you can rent from if you’re going for a certain look with your photos. Additionally, there are on-site professional photographers you can hire during your visit (they’re very talented) All in all, it’s a wonderful temple to experience! Definitely bring an umbrella and portable fan though, as the heat is unrelenting and there aren’t many shaded spots in the main visiting areas (stairs/walkways) of the temple.

Went on a Sunday afternoon. Outside the temple there are numerous of vendors renting Thai traditional costumes. There is entrance fee for it & a bottle of mineral water given.
The temple has a magnificent & intricate architecture. Long historical monument.

Interesting, beautiful and well maintained architecture.
Entrance fee is 200 baht (per person).
They give you a mini bottle of water for free (would be nice if at least was cold).
Lots of people in the place, if you want to take photos you have to wait for people to stop walking or pass by because the place is not big enough. Consider that you can walk up to the steps but only to the second level.

Wat Arun 

Tour with: GetYourGuide
Time: 6:30 AM - 3:30 PM (hotel pick-up)
Cost: €38 (variable depending on the season) with lunch included
Stops: Wat Chaiwatthanaram - Wat Lokayasutharam - Wat Phra Sri Sanphet - Ayutthaya - Wat Maha That

Did you know that Ayutthaya was the first capital of Thailand? Its park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it remains one of the most important cities today. So important that it is part of the long-established name of Bangkok.
It was built in 1351 to protect the population from an epidemic, becoming one of the most important centers.
In 1767, it was invaded, burned, and sacked.
Today we have the opportunity to see what remains of Ayutthaya, which has since been partially rebuilt. It is a very evocative site that I recommend visiting with a GetYourGuide tour. They picked me up from my hotel at 6:30 in the morning, and after two hours we arrived in Ayutthaya. We visited several sites, enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by the tour, and then they took me home. The tour cost 38 euros. It was a wonderful day, and the group I was assigned to was very friendly!

Bangkok: the city of a thousand faces

Ayutthaya: the rediscovered city

Chatuchak Market is the largest market in Bangkok. You can find tons of things at incredibly low prices. There's everything from clothes to the most extravagant items, so give yourself a day to explore it all.
You can also find excellent street food.
I bought two shorts, an elegant tank top, a dress, a blouse, two tops, and a T-shirt for a total of €40! The market is very crowded, and you always have to bargain.
Beware of fakes, though! They tend to sell you fake goods, passing them off as designer items.
Admission: Free
Hours: Friday 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Chatuchak Market

The Royal Palace in Bangkok is wonderful. I think it was one of my favorite things. The temples are beautiful, and there are so many things to see. Unfortunately, it's always crowded.
The ticket also includes a Thai dance performance at the Royal Theater, which I recommend seeing!
Make sure you cover your legs and shoulders, or they won't let you in!
Admission: 500 baht, about €13
Opening hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

The Grand Palace and Thai dance

Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, officially known as Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan, is a Second Class Royal Temple located in Chinatown.
The temple houses the Phra Phutta Maha Suwan Patimakonuna, an imposing solid gold Buddha statue weighing approximately 5,500 kg, making it the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world!
Admission: 40 baht, approximately 1 euro
Hours: 8:00-17:00

Pros:
- Very clean room
- Efficient staff
- Very good breakfast
- Excellent location to the city center
- Excellent value for money

Cons:
- Being close to a school, it was a bit noisy in the morning, and sometimes I woke up early.
- They don't have shutters, so the light gets in in the morning.

Wat Saket, or the Golden Mountain, is a temple perched on a mountain. Its original name is Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Vihan.
To reach it, you have to climb 344 steps, and along the way you'll find several bells and gongs. Ring them! They're said to bring good luck.
Inside the temple are several Buddha images, but the most beautiful moment is watching the sunset from the top; in fact, I recommend going at sunset.
At the end of the trail, you'll find a tree with golden leaves. By making a donation, you can write whatever you want on a leaf and hang it on the tree (typically, the names of the couple are written in the hope that it will bring eternal love).
Entrance fee: 50 baht, about €1.30
Hours: 7:00-19:00

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is very beautiful because it houses a very long reclining Buddha. Its official name is Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan and it is famous for being the birthplace of the first school of Thai massage.
Inside are 108 bowls filled with coins. For about 20 baht (50 cents), you can buy 108 coins and place them in each bowl. The goal? To attract good luck!
At the exit is a huge gong. Have fun playing it.
Admission is 200 baht, about 5 euros.
Opening hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's iconic symbols worldwide. Its full name is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara.
It is believed that those who perform acts of merit at this temple and pay homage to the Buddha statue will have a life as glorious and splendid as the rising sun.
It is a very evocative temple. Nearby, there is also a shop that rents traditional Thai clothing for 300 baht, or 8 euros. I rented it for an hour and went to the temple to take lots of photos! They are truly stunning, so I recommend it. Unfortunately, it is a bit crowded, especially at sunset.
To reach the temple, you have to cross the river by ferry, which costs 4 baht, or 10 cents.
Entrance fee: 50 baht, or about 1.30 euros
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00

Ayutthaya: the rediscovered city

stiratiintrip

Reviews

Other related experiences