Sukhumvit Siam Sathon Silom Pratunam Riverside Khao San Ploenchit-Chidlom China Town Old City

Rattanakosin is where King Rama I built his new capital in 1782. The seat of power to this day, this is where most of Bangkok's "must see" sights can be found. The district borders the Chao Phraya River on the west, but land reclamation has long since joined the eastern bank to the mainland. The focal point of the area is the wide open field of the Royal Ground (Sanam Luang), the site of many ceremonies and festivals associated with the royalty.

There is an excellent Government tourist information office near the river under Pinklao Bridge.

Witnessing the local life style: The old city as its name is absolutely suitable for sight-seeing. You can spend one or two days out with it. If your plan is to witness real Thai life-style, don’t only stay in the busy zone. Differently to Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathon, here you will see a few of foreigner, high building and pubs, since the local residents live in this area among the historical attractions.

Rattanakosin has a lot to see and the top three attractions are conveniently clustered right next to each other. For all temples, bear in mind that you must be dressed appropriately (no shorts, no flipflops, no sleeveless shirts) or risk being denied entry. If you decide to take a tuk-tuk, don't listen to anyone telling you the temples are closed for 'Buddhist holiday' or only in the afternoon. Both sights are open everyday, pretty much all day (dawn till dusk). It's worth giving both the Grand Palace and Wat Pho each a full day since the heat and glare are very wearing and there is a lot to take in.

The Grand Palace
Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style.

Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.
The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1877 by King Rama V as his Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized architectural landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which was formerly used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by reception areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central room on the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes of Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.

Borom Phiman Mansion was also constructed during the reign of King Rama V. When his son, King Rama VI ascended to the throne, he had it improved for use as his residence. The three succeeding Kings also resided here at one time or another.

The Siwalai Gardens, where the office of The Royal Household Bureau is located, were used for receptions as well as a recreation area for the royal women and children.
Maha Monthien Prasat houses The Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai where ceremonies of the Court usually take place in front of the throne surmounted by its canopy of nine tiers of white cloth.

How to go there:The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to The Grand Palace public entrance.
Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, except during special Royal Ceremonies, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Admission Fee: Baht 250. This also includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. Baht 100 for rental personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin.
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Thus the following dress - code (applicable to both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:
1. Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights can not be worn as outer garments.
2. See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers can not be worn.
3. Sleeveless shirts or vests can not be worn as outer garments.
4. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.
5. All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can not be rolled up.
6. Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers can not be worn. 
Contacts: Tel : 0 2623 5500, 0 2222 0094, 0 2222 6889
Website : www.palaces.thai.net
 


The National Museum
A visit to the National Museum reveals the history of Thailand and how people lived during the different periods. It gives you a view through the windows of the past.

The National Museum, located on the opposite side of Sanam Luang to The Grand Palace, was established in 1887 by King Rama V. The foundation collection was previously stored at The Grand Palace. The original building was formerly the palace of a vice-ruler.

The Buddhaisawan Chapel was built in 1787 to enshrine a revered northern Buddha image called Phra Buddha Si Hing. The interior has exceptional murals, while the building itself is a fine example of Rattanakosin religious architecture.

The National Museum collection encompasses a wide range of religious and secular art found throughout the country. Items from pre-historic times, through the Srivijaya, Dvaravati, Khmer Kingdoms and the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods of Thai history.

These include Neolithic tools, painted pots and bronze objects unearthed in the northeast. Thai Buddhist art exhibits feature images in stone, bronze and terracotta as well as illustrated scripture books manuscript cabinets and votive plaques.

The Museum also has a large collection of miscellaneous items such as Thai and Chinese ceramics, theatrical costumes, palanquins, weapons and assorted items used in royal households.

Guided tours are given free by volunteers in English and French starting at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tours are also given in German on Thursdays and in Japanese on Wednesdays of the first & the third week of each month. Guided tours in some other languages can be arranged.

How to get there: The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Phrachan Pier. Walk straight from the pier to Sanam Luang Park and turn left past Thammasat University to the museum. By Bus No. 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 32, 33, 43, 53, 59, 64, 65, 70, 80, 84 Air Condition Bus No. 3, 6, 7, 38, 39, 80, 82, 91 Airport Bus No. A2
Opening hours : Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Admission fee : 40 baht
Contact : Tel : 0 2224 1333, 0 2224 1370 www.thailandmuseum.com
 


Vimanmek Mansion Museum 
This is the world's largest golden teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing fin de siecle royal memorabilia.   A guided tour in English is provided to visitors.
Other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various items and art objects; for example, H.M. King Bhumibols photography, H.M. Queen Sirikits collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages.
Open : Daily from 9.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Tickets are sold till 3.15 p.m.
Thai dancing shows : Daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. 
Admission : 100  baht
Proper attire is required
Contact : Tel : 0 2628 6300-9 ext. 5119 - 5121, 0 2281 5455, 0 2281 6880  www.palaces.thai.net
 


Wat Bowon Niwet
This temple is located on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang Lamphu area.  Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image which was molded in about 1357.  This is one of the most important temples of Bangkok, whose one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended the throne. King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej had resided here during their monkshood.
Open : Daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2281 2831-3
 


Wat Intharawihan
It is an awesome feeling to stand before this Buddha image that reaches to the sky at 32 metres tall.

During the reign of King Rama I he suppressed a rebellion in Laos and brought members of the Lao royal family to settle in this area. One of these was Chao Inthawong, who was a devout Buddhist, helped to restore the local temple which is now Wat Intharawihan.
How to get there: Bus routes 10, 49
Open daily : 8.30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2628 5550-2
 


Wat Mahathat
This old temple was built in the reign of King Rama I. Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.
Open : Daily from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2222 6011; Meditation Centre Tel : 0 2623 5613, 0 2623 6326
 


Wat Pho 
 This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Po.

Founded during the 16th century, Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.

Traditionally, temples were the schools as there was no formal education system, with monks providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre for learning in botany, geography and history.

For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment.
How to get there: Bus routes 1, 3, 12, 25, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508
Open daily : 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Admission : 20 baht
Tel : 0 2222 1969 ; Thai Massage School : 0 2221 3686 www.watpho.com

  
Wat Ratchabophit
The temple is located on Fuang Nakhon Road near Wat Pho.  Built by King Rama V in 1869, it was in keeping with tradition that each monarch constructed a temple to mark his reign.  The temple is a mixture of local and western styles, showing an awakening interest in new ideas and a desire to experiment with them.  The exterior of the chapel is in the Thai style, but the interior is decorated in the European style.
Open : Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2221 0904, 0 2222 3930
 


Wat Ratchanatdaram
Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846.  Loha Prasat, the temples main attraction, standing 36 metres high with 37 surrounding spires, is the only one of its kind left in the world.   Next to the temple is the area for welcoming an important foreign guest and a memorial statue of King Rama III.
Open : Daily from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2224 8807, 0 2225 5749
 


Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing 
 A visit to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, situated almost in the center of old Bangkok, gives you an opportunity to see both the Giant Swing and one of the first-class Royal temples. The surrounding area is also worth exploring as there are many shops selling religious items.

The building of the temple was commissioned by King Rama I, the founder of Bangkok, in 1807. Its location in the center of Rattanakosin Island. This was in keeping with the Buddhist belief that it is like Mount Phra Sumeru being the center of the universe.

Wat Suthat is surrounded by an impressive wall 1.94 metres high and 0.85 metres thick. There are a total of 15 doorways leading into the temple compound. Within the temple grounds the most important building is the Phra Wihan Luang which is the Royal Temple. The mural paintings, covering all the interior walls are some of the finest to be seen anywhere. Each has stone inscriptions describing the pictures.

There are four pavilions (sala) within the compound that are elevated to the height of the temples walls. These are used for various royal functions and for viewing the previous functions at the Giant Swing in front of the temple.
The annual ceremony was held up until the 1930s but was discontinued to the high fatality rate as young men tried to swing high enough to grab a sack of gold on a pole about 25 metres in the air.
How to get there: Bus routes 12, 15, 42, 73, 96, 508
Open daily: 8.30 am. to 9.00 pm.
Admission fee: Baht 20
Contact: Tel: 02 224 9845
Website: www.watsuthat.org



Wat Sa Ket and The Golden Mount
This landmark, on the only hill in Bangkok, is of great significance for all followers of The Lord Buddha. 320 stairs take you up to the top for panoramic views of the Rattanakosin Island.
The Golden Mount is on a man-made hill with a diameter of 500 metres and soars 100 metres to the sky. There was a small chedi on this site and after it collapsed, King Rama III commissioned the constructed of a much larger one which was completed during the reign of King Rama V.
How to get there: Bus route 15, 37, 47, 49
Open daily : 7.30 am. - 5.30 pm.
Admission : 10 Baht
Tel : 0 2621 0576



Bang Lamphu
One of the oldest parts of town
Bang Lamphu district has become famous over recent years due to the emergence of Khao San Road as the popular destination for the worlds young budget travellers. The area has an interesting history as it is located in the Rattanakosin Island area.



Khon Masked Dance at Sala Chalermkrung Theatre
Khon is Thailand's classical masked dance that is regarded as one of the most refined of performing arts. It was originally limited to the royal court. Performances are extremely expensive to produce, requiring lavish costumes, elaborate masks and headgear, and stage accessories that require highly skilled craftsmen to create. The scenes performed in the traditional Khon are taken from the Ramakien, a series of significant episodes in Thai literature based on the Indian epic of classical mythology the Ramayana that greatly influenced the literature of almost all nations in Southeast Asia.

Khon at Sala Chalermkrung is performed every Thuesday, Friday and Saturday at 8.30 pm.  Tickets cost 1,000 baht and 1,200 baht.  Call Sala Chalermkrung at Tel: 0 2224 4499 or visit  or Thaiticketmaster at Tel: 0 2262 3456 or visit www.thaiticketmaster.com for reservation. For more information about the performance and Sala Challermkrung visit www.salachalermkrung.com 



National Gallery Museum
Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre, the museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. 
Open : Wed-Sun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission : 30 Baht
Tel : 0 2281 2224, 0 2282 2639-40



Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)
London has its Covent Garden, Paris has Les Halles, Bangkok has Pak Khlong Talat which is the biggest fresh flower market in the city.

The Thai people have a great appreciation for fresh flowers, both for the beauty and the fragrance. This is where those who have time and the florists come to buy their flowers at wholesale prices. The variety includes roses, daisies and more exotic species such as orchids in every colour and shade imaginable. Most of the flowers are grown in the neighbouring provinces of Nakhon Prathom, Samut Sakon and Samut Songkram although the best roses come from the cooler climate in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Unfortunately, the main activities at the market take place late at night and in the early morning but there are flower sellers there all day and in the surrounding streets.
How to get there: Chao Phraya River Express to Pak Khlong Talat Pier.
Bus routes 2, 5, 8, 53, 60,73, 512
 


Rommaninat Park
This is a public park built on the old prison grounds on Mahachai Road near Wat Suthat. The Corrections Museum inside the park displays instruments of punishment and evolution of punishment in Thailand.
Open : Park - Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Museum - Thu. - Sat from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Admission : Free  
 


Sanam Luang or Thung Phra Men or Royal Ground
A vast open ground situated near the northern wall of the Grand Palace and the eastern wall of the former Viceroy Palace or Wang Na. At the time when Bangkok was first established, the ground was a rice field and was sometimes used as a location for a royal crematorium, Phra Men in Thai. The ground was, thus, otherwise called as Thung Phra Men which means the crematorium ground. In considering that the name was inauspicious, King Rama IV had the ground renamed as Thong Sanam Luang, or the Royal Ground, and the rice farming there cancelled. Later, King Rama V had the Wang Nas eastern wall demolished and the area of Sanam Luang enlarged to cover a total of 78 rai as it does nowadays. The place has been used as the crematorium ground for kings, members of the royal family and nobility, in addition, to being a royal sporting ground. The king also had 365 tamarind trees planted around it.
Open : Daily
Admission : Free
 


Saranrom Park
Located near the Grand Palace between Rachini and Charoenkrung roads, this park was originally a royal garden in the Saranrom Palace.  At the south end of the park is a marble monument dedicated to HM Queen Sunantha Kumareerat and HRH Prince Kannaporn Phetcharat, who died in a boating accident in the reign of King Rama V.
Open : Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission : Free
 


The City Pillar Shrine
According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar had to be built upon the establishment of a new city. King Rama I had the Bangkok city pillar erected near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, with the citys horoscope inside. The original pillar was made of cassia wood known as Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter and 27 cm. high. In the reign of King Rama IV, the old dilapidated pillar was replaced by a new one made of the same kind of wood, measuring 270 cm. high and standing on a base of 175 cm. wide, sheltered by a Prang-shaped shrine as it appears today. The shrine also houses images of protective deities including Thepharak, Chaopho Ho Klong, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Chaopho Chetakhup and Phra Kan Chai Si.
Open : Daily
Admission : Free



Dusit Zoo
Dusit Zoo has a very good collection of animals from around the world. It is ideal for a family outing or just for those who would like to know more about animal behavior.

For more fun, there is Playland where children can really enjoy themselves on amusement rides. There are other more sedate rides available on the lake.

How to get there: Bus routes 18, 28, 70, 108, 510, 515, 539, 542
Open : Daily from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : Adult 100 baht, Child 50 baht
Tel : 0 2281 2000, 0 2282 7111-3  www.zoothailand.org

Benjarong
Charansanitwong Road
Tel. 02-412-4607
A four star restaurant that provides the very best of Thai cuisine. The menu features an array of first class Thai cuisine where the quality, freshness and flavor of the ingredients and elegant presentation with detal to color, texture and arrangement are always assured. You will be impressed if you try varietiesof Naam Prig, Kra Thong Tong, Mee Grob etc. There is a very good old Thai music band from 19.00 until midnight. You can your hair down, relax and feel at home at Benjarong.



Juon Thong Garden Restaurant
Pinklao-Nakronchaisri Road, Thonburi
Tel. 02-433-4270
Juon Thong Garden Restaurant is a popular garden restaurant that is located on the Pinklao-Nakromchaisri Road. The menu features Thai and Chinese dishes and the prices are very reasonable. The delicious house specialities are mixed vegetable salad, steamed whole fish “snapper with lime”, “baked pork’s rib with honey”



Koong-Luang
Pinklao-Nakronchaisri Road, Thonburi
Tel. 02-423-0748
This note worthy restaurant has established and envied reputation for serving excellent Thai food, with an emphasis on an array of fresh seafood. The menu features Thai, Chinese, and seafood dishes, all meticulously prepared and attractively presented. The house specialties are Steamed Shell with Chili and Salt, Sauteed Crab with Curry Powder, Steamed fish in a Hot and Sour Soup. For lover of the best in Seafood, and Thai cuisine, a warm welcome awaits you and your guests from the friendly and attentive staff.

(Click here for hotels in Old City)

Even there is no sky train or subway to approach here, but it is totally easy to get to this area by Taxis, buses (route: route: 2, 3, 9, 30, 32, 47, 64, 39, 44, 53, 59, 203, 503, 509, 511, A/C bus 79, 183, 503, 511), and river ferry.

To access most of the sights in Rattanakosin is to take the Chao Phraya River Express, which run from the BTS Saphan Taksin station up and down the river. The most important pier is Tha Tien, from where you can walk to Wat Pho or the Grand Palace, or take a 3-Baht shuttle ferry across the river to Wat Arun.

The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are a 20 minute walk from Khao San Road, but a confusing and hot one if you aren't familiar with the area.