Visiting the Grand Palace
by shrimp56
When you do be sure to say "hello" to these two guys :) The one on the right is a Chinese sage at the stairs to the Royal Library. The other gold one is, as far as I can ascertain, guarding one of the temples to one of the King Ramas.
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Be sure to have a good map/short guide with you or you will have trouble knowing where you are and what wat you're seeing ;)
VAT Refund for tourists
by iclee
When shopping for big ticket items, sometimes they qualify for VAT refunds. You will be asked to fill out an A4 size form after purchasing an item. This form will be shown to the VAT refund office inside the international airport and the refund will be given in THB, back to your CC or notes.
A THB100 admin fee is deducted from the proceeds.
Call: 662-2728198 to 99
Email: vrefund@pasi.rd.go.th
Website: http://www.rd.go.th/vrt VAT refund offices/counters are easy to spot inside malls or airports. Only airport outlets refund while the mall outlets just do the paperwork.
Phra Sumehn Fortress (Phoam)
by suraphona
Located on the crossroads area of
Phra Athit Rd. and Phra Sumeru Rd. (pronounce : Phra-Su-Mehn). This fortress was one of other 14 fortresses and line of walls surround Koh Rattanakosin (old city)
in 1783 (when Krungthep was build).
Respectful things to consider when visiting a Wat
by SumTingWong
Many of Bangkoks most important "must sees" are wats. Wat is the Thai word for a Buddhist Temple. From Wat Arun to the Royal Palace Temple of the Emerald Buddha, these places are all wats. Here is my list of thingst thar are very important to know and consider when at any wat in Thailand.
1) Take off your shoes when entering a room where there is a Buddha image.
2) NEVER point the bottom of your feet at a Buddha image.
3) NEVER sit with your legs extended in front of you inside a wat building.
4) NEVER touch a Buddha image.
5) NEVER stand higher than a Buddha image.
6) Do not openly turn your back on a Buddha image.
7) Obey any rules that you are given about a place.
Clothing
by and_juana
Light, natural fabrics. For example, cotton are best for staying cool. A sun hat or baseball cap is another extremely useful item to take with you.
Men should usually wear a suit and tie for business however, as a concession to climate, going in tie and shirtsleeves is acceptable. Generally, Thai tend to dress informally (mostly in western style) bu neatly and prefer visitors to do likewise. Respectable dress is required when visiting temples. Shoes and any head gear cap etc. shoud be removed whenever you enter a temple or a private home.