As a Thai person, I've never visited Grand Palace in the morning. Your vlog makes me want to wake up early and go there on a weekday. I love the birds singing in the background.
I remember the December heat in Thailand and the craziness of Bangkok, but I still loved it! Thanks for your positive chattiness and singing us a few lines!
@@TravelWithBen121 @ Just like my teachers used to tell me that I should expand on what I have to say! Yes, I loved the hustle and bustle as a tourist but I would not want it every day of my life!
Love the video, glad I wasn’t with you on this journey 🤣🤣🤣🤣, too many people on a small path, not even a road🙄. Ride a grab 😳😱 NO WAY!! Taxi and buses are scary enough 🤣😎🤪. Loving the real life experiences 😆👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸
That is to hot and to crazy crowded in Bangkok. I am so glad, that it is not myself who is walking there 😂 And thank you again for the live talk this evening ( German time) That was really nice.
The half bird half human statue is a kind of celestial creature called kinari. It's supposed to safeguard the entrance of the building.@@TravelWithBen121
Hey Lucky! Glad you went early and yes it was sooooo shiny. I was sweating just watching you walk through the streets. Be safe and hit the pool!!! Thanks for taking us along!
I rented a motorbike when I was in Thailand having never driven one before, getting the hang of the gears was the trickiest part but absolutely loved the freedom of it, thanks for taking us along.
My favorite comment - “it’s so shiny”. I don’t think I saw one traffic light anywhere! And that one market went on endlessly. I think Japan is still tops for Asia. Thanks for the video Ben!
@@sgalligan HAHA it was so shiny, Sue! That market was just an endless loop of people! Imagine being surrounded by all those people in that heat, it was quite an experience! No doubt about it, Japan wins 😂
I feel like I'm walking down the street beside you. I enjoy seeing the historical sites, but even more, I like seeing the way people live their daily lives. When I see the Grand Palace, I tend to think about who built this magnificent structure. What were their lives like? Your videos focus on the things most people are interested in. If I want a history lesson, I'll read a book. If I want a life lesson, I'll watch your videos.
It might look chaotic but actually have certain estimate time for each route, like it took me 30 minutes from my house to the BTS Train then another estimate 15-30 minute for me to reach my destination.
I agree with you, because I wear elephant pants, and I do a lot of yoga. 😂They’re awesome though I wear them here in Florida and they’re so comfortable and light and breezy. They’re good for the hot weather. 😂 And yeah, churches and temples are like that. I feel like I could only see like one or two a day and space them out because they just have to blend all together and you wanna be able to appreciate them.
@@JustShelby888 HAHA the elephant yoga pants were everywhere, Shelby! It was everyone’s go-to purchase if they didn’t have their own pants! I agree about churches and temples, I can’t see too many of them!
Hi Ben, just a little message for you 😊 I think out of all the places you have visited recently I much prefer Shanghai, China. Maybe I will visit one day. I definitely won't be visiting Thailand 😅, there is no way I could cope with the traffic and crowds. Looking forward to your cruise. I hope you have an outside cabin this time as it's a longer cruise ? Take care 😊
@@jowickens7017 thank you, Jo! I love Shanghai, it’s an amazing place! I’m glad I could show it to you and hopefully you can visit one day 😁 thank you again!
OMG, those streets were crazy you are taking a chance crossing the street, and all the wires that were running above your head and crossing the road. Reminded me of behind my TV. Ha ha. I am a little jealous that you are in the warmth. Its freezing in my house.
@@carolleiter6027 HAHA it felt like I was inside a video game, Carol! So many challenges to get through 😂 it was HOT and being surrounded by all those people just added to it!
Good afternoon, Ben ! Ever saw the movie "The King and I" starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr? This is the kingdom the movie was based on ! Europeans retired in large number in the areas around the River of Kwei. This is really where people want to stay ! Yes, hot ! No, not gold !
I live in Florida, and I am sweating watching your trip to Bangkok. LOL That looks too hot for even me! I agree with you that there are many similar Temples. I would add that it is the same throughout Asia, I think one builder made them all! I read that the log peg architectural design can resist extreme weather like earthquakes.
Enjoyed the video as usual, the palace was beautiful! Bangkok is interesting but probably not a place I would visit. The tropical heat on top of the crowds and chaos is a real turn-off for me.
Funny, I was thinking of the same song just before you started singing it, "All we are is dust in the wind" Interesting city, but I too would never live there!
Hi Ben, I was watching Mer Cruises Solo and she announced she was doing, I believe, the same Cruise as you leaving on Sunday. Do you two know each other. I love watching her videos too. I see many RUclipsrs collaborating and was curious. PS… love all your Asian travels… BUT now I can’t decide which country to visit first. (Except for Japan, since I’ve was there in 2017.)
Trust me, Chatuchak market at the weekend is horrendous!! Ridiculous amounts of people in that blazing heat is really not a pleasant experience! I much preferred Bang Sue market across the road. It's indoors and air conditioned, so much more bearable. Although it's more about retro clothing, antiques, and collectibles. I bought a really nice Thai amulet there. 😊
I finally found your replies! I don't know what happened - I had all the notifications on but they didn't show up when you replied! Keep making great videos and giving your honest opinions about the places you visit (ignore: Sorry to complain Ben but I'm a member and you've never responded to any of my comments)
@@stephenthompson8373 hello Stephen, I just checked your most recent comments and I have replied to all of them 😁 maybe you don’t have notifications turned on but I have replied to every comment you have left on any of my videos 👍
Everything you see in the Grand Palace is part of the temple section which is only ocupied 20-30%of the total area; no one lives there. There aren't even monks stationed there permanently. The real royal residence is still active and never open to the public. Although the king does not live there, he visits from time to time. The massive building on the way out is the Throne Hall, which is also not open to the public except for special occasions. You also missed one unique temple. Many people choose Wat Pho over the Grand Palace due to its gigantic golden reclining Buddha-you won’t see anything quite like it elsewhere. There are thousands of Buddhist temples across Thailand, and only a few charge for admission. If a temple isn't particularly special, they wouldn't dare to charge. Wat Pho is among the top temples because of its importance. I also recommend Wat Arun for its giant pagoda by the river, which is also not free. The rest, like the Golden Mount with its stunning views, are free to enter. While all these are Buddhist temples, they are not the same. Comparing them is like comparing Sacré-Cœur to Notre Dame or St. Basil to the Sagrada Familiar.
Hi Ben. Gail here. I was doing some lesson plans and I have to translate a lot. On the Google translate APP, you can taje pictures of text and it will translate to English. I am sure there are other apps you could use.
The grand palace was build 200+ yrs ago when Siam (former Thailand's name) was ruled under absolute monarchy. But nearly 100 yrs ago in King Rama 7th, we changed to democracy. In 1982 when Bangkok celebrated the bicentennial anniversary of The Kingdom, government allocated a hugh budget to renovate the grand palace. The 500 baht entrance fee from foreigners are used for maintenance this place and another ancient place so that the tax we collected can be distributed to other purposes. And the part of the wealthy of Siam monarchy (which was gained from trading with foreign countries) was used to payed for ransom to French to avoid being colonized. Btw, even UK, USA and many countries in Europe those considered a wealthy countries they still have homeless people.
As a Thai person, I've never visited Grand Palace in the morning. Your vlog makes me want to wake up early and go there on a weekday. I love the birds singing in the background.
@@Imsuperjoyful it was definitely worth it, Paul!
The half bird half human statue is a kind of celestial creature called kinari. It's supposed to safeguard the entrance of the building.
@@jeffreysetapak cheers, Jeffrey! Very interesting 👍
I remember the December heat in Thailand and the craziness of Bangkok, but I still loved it! Thanks for your positive chattiness and singing us a few lines!
@@paulknowles8469 please tell me what you loved about it, Paul? 😆 I like the hustle and bustle not I would say I love it! Not for too long anyway 😂
@@TravelWithBen121 @ Just like my teachers used to tell me that I should expand on what I have to say! Yes, I loved the hustle and bustle as a tourist but I would not want it every day of my life!
@ totally agree, Paul! It was ‘fun’ for a day but I don’t want to see it everyday 😂
@@TravelWithBen121 I’m glad I clarified, otherwise I sounded crazy!
Love the video, glad I wasn’t with you on this journey 🤣🤣🤣🤣, too many people on a small path, not even a road🙄.
Ride a grab 😳😱 NO WAY!! Taxi and buses are scary enough 🤣😎🤪. Loving the real life experiences 😆👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸
@@shirleyjones270 HAHA it was a crazy experience, Shirley! Soooo many people and so hot! Definitely real life experiences 😂
Thank you showing how pe 24:05 ople live in your itour of Bangkok. I love your summer hat as it reminds me of my dad's fishing hat.
@@sheridangay thank you, Sheridan!
That is to hot and to crazy crowded in Bangkok. I am so glad, that it is not myself who is walking there 😂 And thank you again for the live talk this evening ( German time) That was really nice.
@@manuela9342 I’m glad I can share this experience with you, Manuela 😂 thank you for joining the livestream, it was fun!
Was smart to get there early. Beautiful video of the temple..yes impressive gold and glitter
@@brendalogan6281 great decision to get there early! I was so shocked by the gold! Thank you, Brenda 😁
The half bird half human statue is a kind of celestial creature called kinari. It's supposed to safeguard the entrance of the building.@@TravelWithBen121
Hey Lucky! Glad you went early and yes it was sooooo shiny. I was sweating just watching you walk through the streets. Be safe and hit the pool!!! Thanks for taking us along!
@@hollyecf thank you, Fredwina! Going early was a great decision. Pool felt amazing after all that hot walking 😂
I rented a motorbike when I was in Thailand having never driven one before, getting the hang of the gears was the trickiest part but absolutely loved the freedom of it, thanks for taking us along.
@@webg03 great 😊 I’ve owned a scooter before, I trust my abilities to drive it but I don’t trust anyone else 😂 thank you for watching!
My favorite comment - “it’s so shiny”. I don’t think I saw one traffic light anywhere! And that one market went on endlessly. I think Japan is still tops for Asia. Thanks for the video Ben!
@@sgalligan HAHA it was so shiny, Sue! That market was just an endless loop of people! Imagine being surrounded by all those people in that heat, it was quite an experience! No doubt about it, Japan wins 😂
I feel like I'm walking down the street beside you. I enjoy seeing the historical sites, but even more, I like seeing the way people live their daily lives. When I see the Grand Palace, I tend to think about who built this magnificent structure. What were their lives like? Your videos focus on the things most people are interested in. If I want a history lesson, I'll read a book. If I want a life lesson, I'll watch your videos.
@@LindaBulman thanks so much, Linda! That makes me happy 😁
Nice
95 degrees ????? No way I could be walking around there. I cant believe your walking and not even sweating. 😮
@@Billiblu51 I was, Sibylle 😂 the umbrella helps!
Have you ever found yourself in a bad situation that you didn't feel safe walking through the off beat streets? Love your vlogs. Merry Christmas
@@florencesnyder6125 hmm not that I can remember, Florence. I don’t put myself in danger! Thank you! Merry Christmas 😁
Hi Ben! Hello from Chicago! Bangkok would drive me absolutely crazy! How anyone get to their destination is insane on time is insane!
@@tannahill5129 HAHA I don’t understand it either, Tanna!
It might look chaotic but actually have certain estimate time for each route,
like it took me 30 minutes from my house to the BTS Train then another estimate 15-30 minute for me to reach my destination.
I agree with you, because I wear elephant pants, and I do a lot of yoga. 😂They’re awesome though I wear them here in Florida and they’re so comfortable and light and breezy. They’re good for the hot weather. 😂
And yeah, churches and temples are like that. I feel like I could only see like one or two a day and space them out because they just have to blend all together and you wanna be able to appreciate them.
@@JustShelby888 HAHA the elephant yoga pants were everywhere, Shelby! It was everyone’s go-to purchase if they didn’t have their own pants! I agree about churches and temples, I can’t see too many of them!
You’re brave walking so much in Bangkok; especially in Chinatown. My top priority is air conditioned places in Thailand. 😅 ❄️
@@s.t.pebble8018 HAHA not brave, just adventurous 😁 it was crazy out there!
Hi Ben, just a little message for you 😊
I think out of all the places you have visited recently I much prefer Shanghai, China. Maybe I will visit one day. I definitely won't be visiting Thailand 😅, there is no way I could cope with the traffic and crowds.
Looking forward to your cruise. I hope you have an outside cabin this time as it's a longer cruise ?
Take care 😊
@@jowickens7017 thank you, Jo! I love Shanghai, it’s an amazing place! I’m glad I could show it to you and hopefully you can visit one day 😁 thank you again!
OMG, those streets were crazy you are taking a chance crossing the street, and all the wires that were running above your head and crossing the road. Reminded me of behind my TV. Ha ha. I am a little jealous that you are in the warmth. Its freezing in my house.
@@carolleiter6027 HAHA it felt like I was inside a video game, Carol! So many challenges to get through 😂 it was HOT and being surrounded by all those people just added to it!
Good afternoon, Ben ! Ever saw the movie "The King and I" starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr? This is the kingdom the movie was based on ! Europeans retired in large number in the areas around the River of Kwei. This is really where people want to stay ! Yes, hot ! No, not gold !
@@david1234lee I haven’t seen it, David! Sounds interesting 😁 not gold, looks like gold 😂
@@TravelWithBen121 Hot but nice to stay a few days more !
Hey Ben, did you get the massage? If so, what did you think? I have a friend that lived in Bangkok for a year and said the Thai massages are great.
@@matthewhildebrandt1901 I did get one, Matthew! Only a few dollars and it was great! I would have one everyday if I could!
I live in Florida, and I am sweating watching your trip to Bangkok. LOL That looks too hot for even me! I agree with you that there are many similar Temples. I would add that it is the same throughout Asia, I think one builder made them all! I read that the log peg architectural design can resist extreme weather like earthquakes.
@@stephencoutu2674 HAHA imagine experiencing that, Stephen! It was HOT! Add the crowds to the heat and you have a very tough day 😂
Enjoyed the video as usual, the palace was beautiful! Bangkok is interesting but probably not a place I would visit. The tropical heat on top of the crowds and chaos is a real turn-off for me.
@@DonaldYoung-b7x I agree, Donald! I’m glad I saw Bangkok but I won’t be rushing back to see it again!
You can travel with a lot of time and walk very well
@@aldean9778 I’m lucky, Dean 😁
Funny, I was thinking of the same song just before you started singing it, "All we are is dust in the wind" Interesting city, but I too would never live there!
@@teenalaughton7188 Kansas 😁 I agree, not a place I want to live!
Hi Ben, I was watching Mer Cruises Solo and she announced she was doing, I believe, the same Cruise as you leaving on Sunday. Do you two know each other. I love watching her videos too. I see many RUclipsrs collaborating and was curious.
PS… love all your Asian travels… BUT now I can’t decide which country to visit first. (Except for Japan, since I’ve was there in 2017.)
@@MagdaSolorzano-f3m yes, Magda! Me and Meredith will be on the same cruise 👍 I’m glad you enjoy my videos! Take a trip to Asia if you can 😁
Trust me, Chatuchak market at the weekend is horrendous!! Ridiculous amounts of people in that blazing heat is really not a pleasant experience! I much preferred Bang Sue market across the road. It's indoors and air conditioned, so much more bearable. Although it's more about retro clothing, antiques, and collectibles. I bought a really nice Thai amulet there. 😊
@@andybaker2456 it gets worse than that, Andy?! I can’t imagine 😂 it was crazy, no fun at all!
WOW, people complain that Walt Disney World is too crowded! LOL
@@stephencoutu2674 HAHA those people wanna check out Bangkok 😂
They probably have the jackets from the 90s because no one in their right mind would buy a jacket when it’s 30 degrees outside. 😂
@@daniellilienkamp5202 definitely true, Daniel! 😂
I finally found your replies! I don't know what happened - I had all the notifications on but they didn't show up when you replied! Keep making great videos and giving your honest opinions about the places you visit (ignore: Sorry to complain Ben but I'm a member and you've never responded to any of my comments)
@@stephenthompson8373 hello Stephen, I just checked your most recent comments and I have replied to all of them 😁 maybe you don’t have notifications turned on but I have replied to every comment you have left on any of my videos 👍
Wandering around a new place is also my favorite part of traveling. Your videos make me feel like I'm there seeing things through your eyes. Thanks.
@@TravelWithBen121 Sorry Ben - I finally found your replies!
@ I’m so happy to hear that 😁
@ no problem, Stephen! Thank you for your comments and your support!
Wat Pho houses the Reclining Buddha. You should have gone in.
@@davidshepherd6104 I already saw a Buddha 👍
You skipped the reclining Buddha???
Ditto.
@@LisaAnderson-fe3uj yes 👍
Everything you see in the Grand Palace is part of the temple section which is only ocupied 20-30%of the total area; no one lives there. There aren't even monks stationed there permanently. The real royal residence is still active and never open to the public. Although the king does not live there, he visits from time to time. The massive building on the way out is the Throne Hall, which is also not open to the public except for special occasions.
You also missed one unique temple. Many people choose Wat Pho over the Grand Palace due to its gigantic golden reclining Buddha-you won’t see anything quite like it elsewhere.
There are thousands of Buddhist temples across Thailand, and only a few charge for admission. If a temple isn't particularly special, they wouldn't dare to charge. Wat Pho is among the top temples because of its importance. I also recommend Wat Arun for its giant pagoda by the river, which is also not free. The rest, like the Golden Mount with its stunning views, are free to enter.
While all these are Buddhist temples, they are not the same. Comparing them is like comparing Sacré-Cœur to Notre Dame or St. Basil to the Sagrada Familiar.
@@lucca_lee I have the opposite opinion to you. If a temple is so special then there should not be a charge so everyone has access to it.
Bangkok ❤
Hi Ben. Gail here. I was doing some lesson plans and I have to translate a lot. On the Google translate APP, you can taje pictures of text and it will translate to English. I am sure there are other apps you could use.
@@gjoy4183 hello Gail! Yes, you’re right! The Google Translate app will translate a picture into English, very useful!
I always have mixed feelings about royalty and all their wealth when they could use that wealth to help the people of
a country
@@brendalogan6281 I 1000000% agree, Brenda 😁😁😁😁😁
The grand palace was build 200+ yrs ago when Siam (former Thailand's name) was ruled under absolute monarchy. But nearly 100 yrs ago in King Rama 7th, we changed to democracy. In 1982 when Bangkok celebrated the bicentennial anniversary of The Kingdom, government allocated a hugh budget to renovate the grand palace. The 500 baht entrance fee from foreigners are used for maintenance this place and another ancient place so that the tax we collected can be distributed to other purposes.
And the part of the wealthy of Siam monarchy (which was gained from trading with foreign countries) was used to payed for ransom to French to avoid being colonized.
Btw, even UK, USA and many countries in Europe those considered a wealthy countries they still have homeless people.
So Ronald McDonald is an idol? Lol
@@helenhelen7822 HAHA a legend 😂
lots of burmese, cambodians and others in thailand. dont assume everyone is thai lol...
@@spj6798 when did I say they are all Thai?