Hotels | Interesting
places | Shopping | Eating | Nightlife | Nearby
areas
Overview
Rattanakosin Island is a city on a piece of land surrounded
with water, making it looking like an island. Its west
boder is the Chao Phraya River, and in the east it
is bounded by the Bang Lamphu and Ong-ang Canals.
The
island constituted the whole of the capital city when
it was founded in 1782. As such, it was not only surrounded
by the Chao Phraya and the canals which served as its
moats, but also by a wall, sections of which including
forts are still kept in good condition as historic
sites.
Rattanakosin Island is divided into two parts,
viz. the inner and the outer Rattanakosin Island.
Location
The inner Rattanakosin Island refers to the area
having the Chao Phraya River to the west and the Lot
Canal to the east. It covers an area of 1.8 sq.km.
The outer Rattanakosin Island is the area where its
north borders on the Banglamphu Canal and its east,
the Ong Ang Canal. It connects the Chao Phraya River
at the south. It has an area of 2.3 sq.km.
For taxi: à¡ÒÐÃѵ¹â¡ÊÔ¹·Ãì ºÃÔàdz·éͧʹÒÁËÅǧ
Map
: Bangkok Metropolis - index B3
Rattanakosin
Area (Old Town ) & Chinatown-index C3
Hotels in Nearby Area (Pinklao)
Hotels in Nearby Area (Khaosan Road)
Interesting
Places
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The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is famous for its elegant buildings
of beautiful architectural styles. The Temple of the
Emerald Buddha or Weat Phra Kaeo, the most beautiful
and important Buddhist temple in Thailand, houses the
Emerald Buddha image (Phra Kaeo Morakot) which is Thailand's
most highly revered Buddha image. |
| |
Open daily from 08.30 to 15.30 hrs.
Please dress politely.
For taxi: ¾ÃкÃÁÁËÒÃÒªÇѧ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index C3 |
|
National Museum
National Museum, shelters Thailand's artistic treasures
from prehistoric to contemporary. It features an 18th
century palace and Thai-style pavilions. Open daily
from 09.00 to 16.00 hrs. except Mondays, Tuesdays and
public holidays.
For taxi: ¾Ô¾Ô¸Àѳ±Ê¶Ò¹áËè§ªÒµÔ ¾Ãй¤Ã
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index C2 |
|
Sanam Luang
Its former name is Phra Men Ground. This large open
space has existed since the establishment of the Rattanakosin.
At its early stage, Sanam Luang had a smaller size than
today until it was extended and reshaped in the reign
of King Rama V (1868-1910). |
Tamarind trees around Sanam
Luang were also planted in the same period which means
they have been standing for about 100 years. Sanam Luang
has been used for various public activities and is also
used for some Royal rites and ceremonies, including
Royal funerals and public meetings. Besides, it was
the place where a weekend market (now relocated to Chatuchak
Park) had been taking place for many years.
For taxi: ʹÒÁËÅǧ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index C2-3
|
Thammasat University
At its early period, this area was the southern part
of the Crown Prince Palace. In King Rama V's reign (1868-1910),
after the Crown Prince appointment was abolished, the
land was given to a military department and was transferred
to "Thammasat Lae Kanmuang (Moral and Political
Science) University" which was established in 1934.
This university is the second modern university in Thailand. |
At the beginning, the university offered only courses
in laws and political economy. Later, the university
was developed to offer wider fields of study and the
name was shortened to be "Thammasat University".
Now the University has a large, new campus at Rangsit
just outside Bangkok.
For taxi: ÁËÒÇÔ·ÂÒÅѸÃÃÁÈÒʵÃì
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index C2
|
Mahadhatu (Mahathat) Temple
This temple is one of the most important religious places
in the Rattanakosin Island. It was first built in the
Ayutthaya period (1350-1967) and became more and more
important in the Rattanakosin Period. In King Rama I's
reign (1782-1809), the temple was the residence of the
patriarch. |
In the Fifth reign (1868-1910), it was the
place where the Royal cremations took place. The well-known
Buddhist University (namely Maha Chulalongkorn Ratchawitthayalai)
is also located in the temple precinct.
For taxi: ÇÑ´ÁËÒÙ¸ÒµØ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index B3
Tha Chang Wang Luang Area
Tha Chang Wang Luang (litterally means elephant pier
of the Grand Palace) was built in the First reign
(1782-1809). In former times, elephants from the
Grand Palace were brought to this area to take a
bath. This area was also called "Tha Phra" because
Phra Sri Sakayamuni, the Buddha image in the vihara
of Suthat temple, was transferred from Sukhothai
by the river and landed at this point. Today, Tha
Chang Wang Luang has a ferry boat pier with a number
of retail shops and a market.
For taxi: ·èÒªéÒ§ÇѧËÅѧ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index B3
|
Silpakorn University
The university developed from a school of Fine Arts
under the control of the Fine Arts Department. The school
was under the supervision of Italian artist Corrado
Ferroci or Prof. Silp Bhirasri. Later, it was upgraded
to university in 1943.
The university has three art galleries which are open
to the public.
For taxi: ÁËÒÇÔ·ÂÒÅÑÂÈÔŻҡÃ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index B3 |
|
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Phra
Chetuphon (Wat Pho)
The temple was established in the Ayutthaya Period (during
1688-1703). It has many interesting and beautiful monuments
such as the reclining Buddha image which is the second
largest in Thailand, 46 metres long and 15 metres high.
The first open university was operated here with stone
inscriptions containing knowledge of Thai massage and
medical science. These inscriptions were recently designated
"Memory of the World" by UNESCO.
For taxi: ÇÑ´¾ÃÐવؾ¹ (ÇѴ⾸Ôì)
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index C3 |
|
Wat Ratchabophit
Its ordination hall is an example of the east-meet-west
architectural style. The exterior is of the Thai while
the interior is of the Western. The mother-of-pearl
inlaid door leaves are very delicate. This temple was
built in King Rama IV's reign (1851-1868). There are
many interesting monuments in this temple, such as the
main hall, marble stupa, bell tower and library building.
For taxi: ÇÑ´ÃÒªº¾ÔµÃ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index C3 |
| Outer Rattanakosin Area (North Part) |
|
Democracy Monument
Democracy Monument was erected in 1939 in memory of
the revolution in1932 of the country's system of government
from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.
For taxi: ͹ØÊÒÇÃÕÂì»ÃЪҸԻäµÂ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D2 |
|
Bang Lamphu
Bang Lamphu is a bustling shopping area where almost
all kinds of goods and foods are on sale. Its neighbouring
area, Khao
San Road is a premier centre for backpackers and
tourists on low budgets from all over the world. You
can also enjoy nightlife here.
For taxi: ºÒ§ÅÓ¾Ù
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index C2 |
Bowon Niwet Wihan Temple
This temple is one of the most important temples in
Thailand because it is the temple where king Rama VI,
VII and IX spent their time in their monkhood. Many
significant buildings and art objects are located within
the temple compound.
For taxi: ÇÑ´ºÇùÔàÇÈÇÃÁËÒÇÔËÒÃ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D2
Phra Sumen Fort
Phra Sumen Fort is a hexagonal-shaped concrete structure,
topped with pointed roof. At the beginning of Rattanakosin
(the year 1782) there were 14 forts along the city boder
(defined by the Chao Phraya River and the city moats).
Today only Phra Sumen and Mahakan forts remain. Phra
Sumen fort partly deteriorated during King Rama V-VII
(1868-1934). The Fine Arts Department restored it in
1959 and recently in 1981.
For taxi: »éÍÁ¾ÃÐÊØàÁÃØ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index C2
|
Vimanmek Mansion
Vimanmek Mansion is well known as the world's largest
golden teakwood mansion which was made a museum devoted
exclusively to the memory of King Chulalongkorn (ruling
1868-1910) who built it in 1900. The mansion was built
entirely of golden teakwood except the basement which
is concrete. It has three storeys except the octagonal
compartment where the King lived, which has four storeys.
What is amazing is that all the pieces of wood forming
the building were motised together without the use of
single nail except the flooring. |
After the king passed away, the mansion was left uninhabited
except for a few months in 1925, when it was occupied
by a consort of King Rama VI. Then in 1982, Queen Sirikit
had the mansion thoroughly renovated and restored to
its former glory and opened it as a museum to commemorate
King Rama V and to serve as a showcase for the Thai
national heritage for future generations.
Among many rooms there, the palace museum features the
bedrooms, the throne room and the bathroom which are
kept in the original way to provide an atmosphere of
the olden days while others are used to display works
of art. Also on show are antique furniture, elegant
dinner sets, 16th century Chinese porcelain, ceramics,
crystalware, silverware and many invaluable memorabilia.
Vimanmek Mansion is open daily 09.30-15.15. It is closed
on public holidays.
For taxi: ¾ÃзÕè¹Ñè§ÇÔÁÒ¹àÁ¦
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index E1
|
Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit is one of the most modern works of
Thai religious architecture where the relics of King
Rama V are enshrined.Graceful and tranquil, it is famous
for its main chapel built in white Carara Italian marble
to house a replica of Thailand's most beautiful Buddha
image, Phra Phutthachinnarat.
For taxi: ÇѴຨÁº¾ÔµÃ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index E1 |
|
Dusit Zoo
Located near Vimanmek
Mansion in the heart of Bangkok, Dusit Zoo is an
all time favourite place for Thai children, where they
can enjoy not only lovely creatures but also an outdoor
playground and the pedal boats in a large pond. Founded
in the reign of King Rama V, it is the biggest zoo in
Thailand with more than 1,600 animals of various species.
The park-like atmosphere makes it an ideal place for
a family or couple to hang out for a few hours.
For taxi: ÊǹÊѵÇì´ØÊÔµ (à¢Ò´Ô¹)
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index E1 |
King Rama V Equestrian Statue
Established in 1908 in the reign of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn)
with a fund raised by the Thai people, the statue
was cast in Paris by a French craftsman. The remaining
fund was spent by King Rama VI on the establishment
of Chulalongkorn University, which was named after
King Rama V.
For taxi: ÅÒ¹¾ÃкÃÁÃÙ»·Ã§ÁéÒ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index E1
|
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is outstanding with its
Renaissance and Neo Classic style of architecture. It
was constructed with marble from Carrara, Italy.
|
The Throne Hall consists of two storeys approximately
49.50m x 112.50m. and 49.50 metres in height, with a
large dome in the centre surrounded by six smaller domes.
The establishment of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
was carried out during the later years of H.M. King
Rama V (Chulalongkorn)’s life. After eight years of
construction, it was completed in 1915. The total budget
was 15 million baht.
For taxi: ¾ÃзÕè¹Ñè§Í¹Ñ¹µÊÁÒ¤Á
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index E1
| Outer Rattanakosin Area (Middle Part) |
|
Brahmin Shrine or Devasathan Bot Phram
Brahmin Shrine was constructed on Dinso Road near the Giant
Swing by order of King Rama I in 1784 at the same
time as the Giant Swing (two years after the founding
of Bangkok as capital). The monastery has been used
to perform Brahmanic rituals and functioned as the centre
of Brahmanism in Thailand since then. The images of
supreme Hindu gods Vishnu, Ganesh and Narayana are housed
in 3 separated shrines. People regularly pay visits
to worship the three deities or pray for a blessing
from the four-faced Brahma statue at the entrance.
For taxi: à·ÇʶҹâºÊ¶ì¾ÃÒËÁ³ì
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D3 |
The Giant Swing
Formerly used in an annual Brahman rite in honour of
the Hindu God Shiva. However, the old red swing aged
45 years was already removed. The replacement of the
brand-new one, comprising the four well-selected logs
of the golden teak, was just completed in December 2006.
More
details
For taxi: àÊÒªÔ§ªéÒ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D3
|
Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Wat Suthat Thepwararam is a good place to see the blend
of Thai art and Chinese art, the style which flourished
in the reign of King Rama III (1824 - 1851). The main
features include a 14th century large cast bronze presiding
Buddha, the beautiful murals in the main building, and
splendid carving door leaves which are replicas of the
masterpiece of King Rama II. More
details
For taxi: ÇÑ´ÊØ·Ñȹìà·¾ÇÃÒÃÒÁ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D3 |
|
Wat Saket and The Golden Mount
This temple is an old monastery which was first built
before the rise of Rattanakosin. King Rama I (1782-1809)
restored the temple. The Golden Mount, one of the unique
landmarks of Bangkok, is located within the area of
this temple. |
The construction of the Golden Mount started
in King Rama III's reign (1826-1851) and completed in
King Rama V's reign (1868-1910). You can walk up to
the top of the Golden Mount which commands a panoramic
view of the entire Rattanakosin area.
For taxi: ÇÑ´ÊÃÐà¡ÈáÅÐÀÙà¢Ò·Í§
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D3
Mahakan Fort and Part of City Wall
This fort has the same age as Phra Sumen Fort which
was originally built in King Rama I’s reign (1782-1809).
The fort and a part of the city wall was restored
in 1959 and 1981.
For taxi: »éÍÁÁËÒ¡ÒÌ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D3
|
Loha Prasat (metal castle) of Wat Ratchanatda
This temple was built in the reign of King Rama III
(1824-1851) to celebrate the King's niece who became
the first queen consort of King Rama IV. The outstanding
monument of this temple is "Loha Prasat".
Loha Prasat is a kind of pagoda substitution which
was built to represent the teaching of Lord Buddha.
For taxi: âÅËлÃÒÊÒ· ÇÑ´ÃÒª¹Ñ´´Ò
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D3 |
|
Wat Thepthidaram
Thepthida means a female angel. Wat Thepthidaram was
constructed during 1836-1839 by King Rama III to
celebrate Princess Vilas who was a daughter of the
King. The influence of China is reflected through
the designs and decorations of porcelain and Chinese
stone statues.
For taxi: ÇÑ´à·¾¸Ô´ÒÃÒÁ
Map: Rattanakosin Area - index D3 |
Shopping
Department stores are located in the Pin Klao area
(on the western side of the Chao Phraya River). Khao
San Road (especially at night) and Bang Lamphu (adjacent
to Khao San) are no less interesting because there
are lots of products ranging from fashion clothes to
unique souvenirs on sale. A large number of restaurants
and food shops are situated in Khao San area.
Eating
Local food stalls and food shops are scattered throughout
the Rattanakosin Island but some vendors might not
be able to speak English. Fastfoods like Burger King
and McDonald are available in Khao San area.
Nightlife
Khao San
area is famous for its nighlife establishments.
Nearby Areas
Pin Klao,
Thon Buri |
