Bangkok Trip Day 4 Part 1 - Pratunam Market & Wat Pho

One of the perks of staying at Hotel Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam is it's close proximity to Pratunam morning and night markets. Almost everyday, you can start & end the day with good bargains. This morning, we decided to start the day by visiting the Pratunam Market (again). As Pratunam Market is a wholesale market, it is cheaper if you buy more than 3 pieces of items at the same store. All prices are usually negotiable even if you are buying only 1 piece.

We then move on to take the BTS to Saphan Taksin BTS station to catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang. From Saphan Taksin BTS station, go out from exit 1 and you will see the Chao Phraya Express Boat Central Pier. It can be quite chaotic at the Central Pier; after some clarification, we went on board the Orange Flag boat, and bought the tickets (15 baht each) from the conductor (on board the boat).

Some sceneries along the Chao Phraya River.

We alighted at Tha Chang (Pier 9), and there were many people heading towards the Grand Palace from this stop. The Tha Chang market is just outside the pier. Initially, we wanted to have our lunch at this store in the market, which was featured in the popular Korean variety show "Running Man".

However, as the weather is too hot, we abandon the plan and had our lunch at the nearby air-conditioned Royal Thai Navy 77 restaurant. 

After our lunch, we walked to Wat Pho (~10-15mins walk), passing by the Grand Palace along the way. The entrance fee to Wat Pho costs 100bahts, and includes a free bottle of drinking water. 

There are 9 wonders in Wat Pho, each with its own unique features. Do allocate at least 1-2 hours if you want to finish exploring all the 9 locations. When visiting the Sleeping Buddha, you can borrow a trousers from the temple if you are wearing shorts to cover up your legs as a form of respect to the Sleeping Buddha.

Up Next: Khao San Road

Back to: Itinerary Summary