0 THAILAND: WAT ARUN, THE TEMPLE OF THE DAWN

The soaring temple of Wat Arun.

You will surely notice this soaring temple of Wat Arun if you are in Chao Phraya river en route to the temples of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. It is situated adjacent to WatPho temple, the oldest and largest temple in the Kingdom of Thailand. 

This temple is consists of five prangs; four on each corner and one in the middle, the center one is the tower which you will climb in almost upright 90 degrees, it’s very narrow and steep. There would be a significant reason why it’s steep; it is said to believe that the Buddhist has to face this challenge upon reaching Nirvana. As per Wikipedia, Nirvana literally means “blown out” or perhaps, it’s like a place of where you can find peace and happiness. Maybe in Christian alike, it is the heaven.

Wat Arun taken from the Chao Phraya River.

In order for you to enter at the main temple, one has to pay 50 THB. And likewise at the Reclining Buddha hall, they also require some dress code but not too strict. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are all covered. Anyway they have scarf for rent just in case.

When you reach inside the temple, don’t be surprised with the architecture. You will certainly be fascinated by the decoration and the design. The middle tower and four small prangs are covered with some colorful porcelain and seashells. While also stepping into the stairs, you will also witness different figures that serve as the guardians of the temple.

Now the question why it is being referred as the “Temple of the Dawn”, simply because by the height of about 219ft or like 20 storey building, the first light of the sun rising from the east shall reflects off the temple in vibrant pigments.

That's why whenever you have plans to visit Thailand, make sure to include this landmark on your itinerary. When you get to reach on top, you will surely feel the sense of fulfillment, the feeling of being cleansed it's like all the sufferings had gone. Furthermore you will also have the chance to see the beautiful skyline of Bangkok and the temples around Chao Phraya River.

It's fairly easy to get to Wat Arun temple. Take BTS Sky Train then alight at Saphan Taksin station, walk towards the Sathorn pier then ride either express boat (15 THB orange flag) tourist boat (40 THB). Disembark at Pier Tha Thien (N8) and then catch the ferry to cross the river going to the temple for 3 THB.

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0 THAILAND: WAT PHO, HOUSES THE MAJESTIC RECLINING BUDDHA

Inside What Pho temple. You will see numbers of small and huge Stupas, an icon of Kingdom of Thailand.

I honestly feel sorry for not learning its history prior to our visit. I’m sure there’s a good story of symbolism behind its design, structure and position. Regardless, it’s a sight to behold. It is indeed obligatory for oneself to know the history each time we visit a certain place. Thus, first day of our  trip to Thailand is visiting this majestic image of reclining Buddha.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Simply hop on the nearest BTS Station and make your way to the Saphan Taksin station. Use Exit 2 and walk along the pathway leading to the Central Pier. 

At the Chao Phraya Boat Terminal, Chao Phraya River.

At the Central Pier, you have two (2) options to get to Wat Pho. First is to take the Chao Phraya Tourist (Blue) boat with tickets priced at 40 THB per head. Second is to take the boat with Orange or Green Flag and alight at Tha Chang (Pier N9); fare is at 15 THB per head. If you seek comfort during your trip, I suggest that you select the first option as the Chao Phraya Tourist boat is not as crowded as the ordinary ones.

We alighted at the Tha Chang Station (Pier N9). Truth is, we do not know exactly which way to go. But my instinct tells me to follow other tourists (usually Caucasians). So we did and true enough, we ended at the door of the Wat Pho. It is not really hard to spot given that tourists would flock this area. It is only a few meters (to the right) away from the ferry station.

One of the boat service in Chao Phraya river.

When we alight at the pier station, we just followed the crowd since most of them are going to the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Standing outside the beautiful temple, I was already enthralled, the architecture and style will surely tell you how beautiful and rich the Thai culture is. The roof has this golden sharp ends that brought its unique elegance. 

In order for you to get in, entrance fee would be 100 THB.

This is what the Temple of Wat Pho looks like from the outside.

INSIDE WAT PHO TEMPLE

Having said that Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple, but the mainstream of your visit is to witness this majestic reclining Buddha. I know it’s just huge but I didn’t really expect how gigantic it is. This reclining Buddha measures 15m high and 43m long so I can’t really describe how massive it is. The interior of the house are all covered with different Buddhist and Thai symbols and arts. And note that every small detail of these symbols were all painted by hands.

And by the way before you can get inside, you will have to take off your shoes or you can ask for a foot sacks. They also have this silky bathrobe to cover your body especially girls wearing tiny shorts and hanging shirts.

A close look of the head of Buddha. 

Thumbs up. Look how big it is. It is shimmering in golden shades.

The toe of reclining Buddha and the marks.

A close look on the details sculptured on the foot of Buddha and the wallpapers.

An old and small image of Buddha where you can pray and offer.

While walking around this glossy statue, you will hear sounds of zen-like jingle being dropped into copper bowls. I thought it was like recorded music that being played inside the hall. And I was right; people are piling into these 108 bronze bowls lined up on the wall behind the statue. These bowls are indicating 108 auspicious character of Buddha. It is said to believe that these will bring good fortune. The donations will be used help the monks for maintenance of the temple. You will just have to exchange your 20 THB and they will give you a bowl full of coins.

These are the 108 bronze bowls that will bring fortune.

After visiting this hall, it’s about time to go around this huge temple of Bangkok. It’s actually a temple within a temples. And each section has the largest collections of Buddha images in the whole country. It’s over thousands of images. The entire temple is so quaint, deserved to be posted across social networking sites especially Instagram. There is no specific direction to follow; it’s up to you where to go depending on your interests but every nook and corner of this temple are all stunning. I’m sure that one day is not enough to conquer the whole temple.

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0 THAILAND: BARGAIN SHOPPING AT THE PLATINUM MALL

The Platinum Fashion Mall.

We are near to end our five-day vacation in Thailand so the fourth and last day would be allotted in buying souvenir items and of course something for yourself. I heard that Platinum Fashion Mall offers cheap prices of clothes and other accessories. Therefore after our Terminal 21 tour, we jumped out back in Petchaburi area where we actually staying.

Instead of taking the Sky Train we decided to ride cab which is much faster and convenient for us. We passed by the Central World Mall which is another place to consider buying souvenir items but prices are higher than in Platinum. After nearly 15 minutes ride, we arrived in the area. I forgot how much we paid for the taxi but I’m telling you using meter here is not common especially for foreign commuters so make sure that both of you and cab driver should settled the charge.

And here's the Central World Mall.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Again for budget travelers I don’t recommend taking cab but instead used the BTS Sky Train because it will take you around BKK. If you are already familiar with this transpo, you can get off at Chidlom or Ratchathewi Station. Unfortunately there is no train station near the Platinum Mall so you’ll have to walk for about 15 – 20 minutes.  If you are coming from Chidlom station you will pass by the Central World Mall and if Ratchathewi you will pass by the the Pantip Plaza. I think better to alight at Ratchathewi because from there, you will already see the Platinum fall from afar and you won’t get lost.

THE FOOD CENTER:

We arrived around past noon and before going into shopping spree we decided to have lunch first. Their big food court center is located at the 6th floor. Please take note that food outlets do not accept cash, but no worries they don’t require you to bring credit card. First you will have to line up at the coupon window to get the card. This card is you will be using when buying your foods, you will just load it depend on how much you want. Afterwards you can go to the food stalls and just hand them the card they will swipe it and done. Just in case you have more balance left on your card, then don’t worry you can line up at the refund both and they will give you back how much money you left from the card. Isn’t a good idea? 

  

The Coupon Window.

Here's your card to be used buying food at the stalls.

The refund booth.

The Food Court Center.

So here’s what I got. I deserved huge meal, plus Thailand cuisine really soothes my type of taste. I grew up in Southern Luzon so expect that I preferred spicy foods.  I’m really glad that Thai offers these flavors. I dunno what you call it but likewise in Manila they also serve meal package. I ordered two types of viand plus side dish. I also ordered this soup with crispy chips. And again by the looks of it, these are all spicy all mixed with powdered pepper. XD

Now let’s start to look what is inside the Platinum Fashion Mall. If you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories and backpacks, this place is really for you. In fact prices in Chatuchak are somehow the same as here and advantage would be the comfort. Worry no more with the heat and the sweat. It is an indoor full air-conditioned wholesale and retail shopping mall. There are thousands of shopping boutiques to choose. 

Although you would noticed from the directory below, all floors are dominated by the ladies wear yet menswear got only one floor at the fourth level. Well you would really and just assumed that girls do perish for shopping. It’s their hobby and pastime. They would die without it so this mall is really catered for our lovely ladies. But don’t worry I heard that more stalls sells male fashion.  

Floor Directory of the Platinum Fashion Mall.

More and More and More Options to Choose!

You gonna love the designs here.

This mall is divided into two wings. Wing 1 is the largest and the older building; it is divided into two zones while Wing 2 is the new building yet the smallest. And again all of the shopping stalls are dominated by the girls. However for our lovely gentlemen, fourth level is enough for us. Though limited choices yet I think it is enough for us. 

REMINDERS:

The more you buy the cheaper it gets. This mall does not really comply with standard price, it depends on how you haggle. Although there are stalls that don’t really give out discounted prices but keep in mind,  there are other stalls offer the same quality or yet the same design at a cheaper price. Here are some of the reminder:

● Please bring cash! Almost or I should say stalls do not accept credit card swipe.

● There are ATM machines all over the place so don't worry if you are running out of money.

● They don't have the fitting rooms. And they don't allow you to try wearing it.

● Most clothes are free size or standard size.

● Again purchase 2 or more items, you'll get discounted price.

● Don't be shy to haggle, the more you talk the more they give you the discounted price.

● There are more stalls to check out. Never stay in one place unless the price is right.

Have a picture ops in front of the Platinum Mall.

Half day is enough for me, I bought enough shirts for me and souvenirs for family back home. Since Platinum Mall is just along Petchaburi where we staying we decided to ride Tuktuk back in hotel. Again this mall worth to visit.  

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0 THAILAND: WHY YOU LOVE TERMINAL 21 IN BANGKOK

Outside the Terminal 21. Taken at the train station.

I would like to describe Terminal 21 mall as the World’s Mall. Not because this is the biggest shopping mall in the world but the world brings in one place with top city destinations. And this is why you should love Terminal 21. 

This mall has nine floors and each floor representing top City in the world  such as Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, Istanbul, San Francisco, and of course the Hollywood. It houses over 800 shops like fashion, accessories, and souvenirs. It has also about 80 restaurants with market street style.

GETTING THERE:

If you are already familiar riding the BTS Sky Train, take Sukhumvit Line and then exit at Asok Station (E4), Exit 1. Whenever you arrived Asok Station this mall isn’t really hard to find because it is situated right in front of the train station with connecting bridge all the way to the mall. It is open from 10AM - 10PM.

When I entered the mall, it feels like I was in an international airport. M Floor is about Paris so expect your would see the Eiffel Tower here. Darn I don’t want to leave Bangkok yet but if new destination would be Paris, why not? European dream it is. It has the modern design, covered with transparent glasses and you would see what is happening outside the mall. Anyway they have the longest elevator setup measuring 36 meters long connecting all the cities.  

Plenty of elevators setup all over the mall.

Photo ops all the way to Turkey.

After leaving Paris at the M Floor, Istanbul City welcomes us at the Third Floor. I think better not to use numbers on each floor but instead the city name itself so it would really feel like I’m traveling the whole world. At Istanbul, you would see here the style lamps. I think Tukey is known with decorated style lamps, you would also find here jewellery, gifts, and some decorated products.

Checking in at Istanbul City, Turkey.

Chandelier Styled Lamps.

Lamps in different shapes and colors.

When visiting here don’t forget to check out their restrooms. Although it sounds odd but yes most of the time when going shopping malls you don’t really gave much attention to comfort rooms. But with Terminal 21 I’m telling you restrooms are aligned to whatever theme assigned to the floor. In fact, you would want to take picture before or after dumping your waste. It really sounds peculiar but this mall deserves restroom selfie. Though I don’t have the pictures but I want you be surprised with how it looks like.

Next stop is San Francisco, there are two San Francisco themes here. San Francisco City is on the Fourth Floor while San Francisco Pier is at the Fifth Floor. SF City theme is where Chinatown of San Francisco decked. It is decorated with sculptures of San Francisco Trams that hanging at the middle of Mall so it’s a really huge kudos to the architecture team who make these sightings possible. Also don’t forget to visit the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge which I believe the best one. You would want to take pictures here to experience the stateside. 

Photo Ops at the Golden Gate Bridge Pillars.

Depth of Field. Man holding the rope to support the Bridge.

Keep it holding man!

Welcome to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hearts at San Francisco Pier

Going to the Fifth Floor is the San Francisco Pier. Here where you can find the Pier 21, this will bring your gastronomic madness. You will surely taste here the authentic Thai cuisine and other pleasure-seeking food tastes. It is decorated with seaports and the fisherman village.

Pier 21 will surely give you the taste of seafood foodies.

And the Sixth Floor where the Hollywood is. You will be welcomed with gigantic Oscars Statuette or the trophy standing two levels. This floor houses 8 screens of San Francisco Cinema City. You will see sculptures with the team behind creating the movies, everything about Hollywood is here. Aside from the cinemas, you can also find here the health club and cyberzone or the IT Terminal.

Welcome to the Holywood Studio.

The Oscars Statuette.

More and more elevators here.

After exploring the Hollywood studio, we visited the Second Floor where the City of London located. The theme is about Oxford Street of London, and it’s the floor for men’s. Manila doesn’t have H&M yet (soon to open this October) so we make sure to buy one here. Of course, for every floor there’s theme that you would want to have picture with. You would see the Tower Bridge and Red Telephone Boxes.

Although the price is just high for us since we are on travel backpacking, yet they sell sale items. Unfortunately, shirt sizes are too small for me. So I have to buy one from a regular price. 

Bench in GBR colors.

Selfie at Red Telephone Boxes.

Next stop is going back Asia – Tokyo, Japan. It is situated at the First Floor, here where you can find the lady boutiques’.  It is also decorated with sculptures of Sumo, Torii, and Samurai.

Our Sumo wrestlers representing Tokyo, Japan.

The G Floor is where the Rome is, the theme is about Heaven of Rome. Here where you can find the luxury brands so got nothing to stay here much longer. Haha. It is decorated with marble and some Roman Mythological figures and lastly the LG Floor is where the Caribbean. The floor theme is Caribbean Beach Town and obviously filled with some beach setting, an anchor and a lighthouse. Here where you can find Gourmet Market, Supermarket, Banks, Bookshops and some convenience shops.

An Angel representing Rome from the Greek Myths.

Welcome to Barbados.

The Lighthouse of Barbados.

Terminal 21 is such a unique shopping center that has been conferred with top things to visit in Bangkok. It’s the world in one place where you can find things you would want to buy. You can visit their website at www.terminal21.co.th for more information.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.