| Map
: Rattanakosin Island
Rattanakosin Island is the area around Sanam
Luang, the most well-known open ground in front
of the Grand Palace, which is surrounded by water
and houses the Grand Palace, several famous temples
and important government buildings.
Thammasat
University |
National Museum |
The first place to visit is the National
Museum on the West side of Sanam Luang,
which is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Next to the museum is one of Thailand's most famous
universities, Thammasat University.Walking
through the campus, you will reach Tha Phrachan
Road. Then turn onto the nearby Maharat Road, on
the left of which is Mahathat Temple, where
the Buddhist Meditation Centre is located.
Silpakorn University |
Grand Palace |
Next to the temple is Silpakorn University,
the country's centre of fine arts study. Turning
left onto Na Phra Lan Road, you will reach a must-visit
place for every visitor to Thailand. It is the Grand
Palace and the Temple
of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra
Kaeo) where you can catch a glimpse of Thailand's
traditional arts and splendid architecture. To the
left of the front gate of Wat Phra Kaeo, you will
find Tha Chang (tha = pier) where you can take a
ferry to Wat Rakhang, a famous old temple
with traditional architecture. Next to Tha Chang
is Tha Ratchaworadit, a royal pier containing a
Thai-style pavilion exclusively used for royal ceremonies.
Wat Arun |
Walk on a few hundred metres you will see another
pier - Tha Tian, from which you may take a ferry
to Wat Arun or the Temple
of Dawn. This renowned temple
is attractive in its striking pagoda decorated with
multicoloured porcelain fragments.
Wat Pho |
Wat Pho |
Opposite the rows of shophouses around Tha Tian
is Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon,
or the Temple
of the Reclining Buddha, another famous
temple in the area. In addition to a large number
of pagodas, the temple also houses a huge reclining
Buddha. On the opposite side of Sanamchai Road,
the road beside Wat Pho, is Saranrom Garden where
you can take a break under shady trees. Then continue
your walk along this road, you will pass the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence
which is marked by some old cannons displayed in
front of the building.
City Pillar
Shrine |
Inside the
City Pillar Shrine |
Going a little way farther, before arriving back
at Sanam Luang, you will see the City Pillar
Shrine with the roof in the form of a pagoda.
Here is where a lot of people come to worship the
city's guardian deity. The route of this walking
tour programme is completed here. |
