Thailand: Day 3 GrandPalace

The Grand Palace was one of the most exquisite things I've ever seen!  It has an area of 218,400 sq. meters and is surrounded by walls built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900 meters.

First off, it was incredibly difficult just to be able to enter The Grand Palace based on the large walls pictured below.  We kept walking to what we thought was an entrance, like the tall white gate to the left, and it would be security guards directing us around the block and some to the real entrance.  Quite tricky.

I have gotten many questions about the costs to travel through Thailand, and it was only 400bh ($13 USD) per person to get a day pass, which was extremely worth it.  We chose to go without a tour guide as they tend to me locals trying to earn wages from tourists.  Then I happily rented a skirt for 200bh ($6.50 USD) at the entrance like most others as the clothing did not fit the standards.  Before leaving, money was refundable for returned items rented.

*There is a strict dress code for visiting the Grand Palace. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand's most sacred site. Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves -- no tank tops. Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entry that can provide clothes to cover you up properly. 

Thotkhirithon, giant demon (Yaksha) guarding an exit to Grand Palace

Phra Mondop

Prasat Phra Thap Bidon

Wat Phra Kaew - Emerald Buddha Temple

Garuda and Nagas

The four Phra Maha Chedi at Wat Pho (two shown here) - Dedicated to the first four Kings of the Chakri dynasty.

Chitralada Palace - where The King and Queen live

Gabe cooling off in the shade before more walking!

We were able to enter most all of the temples, but sadly photos inside were forbidden.  I wish there was a way to remember the details as the gold, jade, and detail was beyond describable.  We could have spent 4 hours walking around The Grand Palace as it really included so much, but we were able to see a all that we wanted in the 2+hrs we were there.  Then, we had to soak in as much as possible in reasonable window to move on and see the other sites :)  or eat more food for Gabe!

Any Thailand travelers out there 

who have visited The Grand Palace?