KATHERINEMAEPARDEE

We are on a tour of Thailand next month and checking our itin we noticed that they DO NOT include a visit to the Grand Palace. In our Fodor's book, this is rated 3 stars.

Is it a must?

How long to tour?

near Chinatown?

Any opinions will be mostly appreciated.

Katherine

BillT

Its a no brainer- it should be on every tour in BKK- you should complain to your tour operator- it is probably the best site in BKK - not to be missed!

Kathie

The Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha site as well as Wat Po (Reclining Buddha) should be on everyone's itinerary. I'm stunned that a tour company wouldn't include it. You'll want at least a cople of hours for all three site. Go when they open in the morning - 8:30 - to avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds. It's not too far from CHinatown, but I wouldn't try to walk that distance. The very best way to get there is by water taxi.

Guenmai

It's a must as far as I'm concerned. Happy Travels!

Craig

Kathie's post says it all. I think hiring a guide is worthwhile for first-timers. Plan on 1-1/2 to 2 hours if you go early.

LynnieD

Katherine, are you sure that the Grand Palace is not included on your tour? I'm taking the same tour on Jan 15 and it is on ours. Check day 15.

zinders

We were there for 3 hours, with Tong. I think you'd definitely want a guide, unless you already know a lot about Thai history and Buddhism.

glorialf

It's a must

rhkkmk

its a must....it is overwhelming in many ways....i think for a first visit no guide works well because you are so amazed at what you see....you need not clutter your mind with descriptions....imo

Bisbee

See if your list calls out Wat Phra Kaew. That's the Thai name for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

JohnFitz

For 3 trips I did not go thinking it would be a dreadful tourist trap and be over rated.It is not.It is lovely and a must see .They were , in June , doing some external renovations to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha but inside is wonderful . Remember to cover up - no shorts , etc .

CFW

I echo everyone else's comments. It is an absolute must. As Kathy said go early before it gets too hot and plan on spending at least a couple of hours.

BillT

Skip the guide- its not needed - however having a driver in BKK is a definite plus. Saves time, energy- well worth having.

KATHERINEMAEPARDEE

THANK YOU...THANK YOU....THANK YOU.

We were just working the itin day by day and my husband suggested we see why this 3 star attraction wasn't visited when we arrive in Bangkok.

Should have gone to the end of the tour as that is when we visit these magnificient attractions...we return to Bangkok at the end of the tour.

I feel bad that I wasted everyones time but thank you anyway.

Lynnie D. - write to me direct at my email so I can tell you all you might want to know about our tour since we go in a couple of weeks on the same OAT tour. This is our first OAT tour.

Katherine

Email: [email protected]