OK ... now that I know when Songkran is and where the main chaos is (Khao San Road) and the fact that Khao San Road is near where we want to go - the Grand Palace ..... I think it might be a good idea for us to try and get to see the Grand Palace on the day we actually arrive in Bangkok which is the 12th (1 day before the chaos is due to commence!) Our flight gets into Bangkok at about 11am so I figure it will be about 12-1pm before we get to our Hotel - would it then be too late to see Grand Palace, as I think it closes at about 3pm if I remember correctly, and maybe it will be too hot to do it then in the middle of the day?????? Or maybe we should just brave the water and do it whenever???? Any thoughts ???????
Kitty
(down to 30 sleeps!!!!!)

If it was me I would take the time to check in at the hotel, have a shower and some food and get aquainted with hotel area, and then visit Grand Palace the next day. Partly the first day of Songkran isn't so bad, and partly there isn't any water splashing around or inside the tempel area.

By the way, Grand Palace would never be closed - even if some gem scam taxis are trying to convince tourists about it.

So take your time and relax a little bit after your arrival - you will need all your strength for all the exciting experiences you are up to in the days to come. Have some good 30 night dreams about LOS (Land of Smiles)

thanx Flebo ... yeh ... that does make sense. You seem to have answers to everything!!! And I thought we mite be pushin it a bit to do it the day we arrive, especially as we have 3 kids in tow!!! And also thanx for your point that the Grand Palace would never be closed. Ive been warned plenty of scammers will try to tell you it is closed, but one forum guest seemed to think that it actually might be.
One more thankyou ... for giving a definition of LOS!!!!! Had heard it before ... didnt quite know what it meant ... and really wasnt game enough to ask!!!??? Being unacqauinted to chat-room lingo - its all new to me! But ... Im learning!!!
Cheers again. Kitty