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CITY TOUR
RATANAKOSIN ISLAND
Few are aware that Old Bangkok, where the city’s oldest temples and palaces are located, is in fact an island. Called Ratanakosin, it is surrounded by water – by the Chao Phraya River on the west, and by an inner city moat and canals on other sides.
Ratanakosin became the country’s capital in 1782 when King Rama I decided to move his palace from Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, to the eastern side as a defense strategy. The move triggered the construction of new buildings, including forts and temples. Many of these ancient structures remain intact, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha among them, and have become the city’s main historic and cultural attractions.
MUST-SEE SITES
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace, located in the same compound as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is Thailand’s most popular tourist attraction.
Built in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I, it became the residence of monarchs in the Chakri Dynasty. It is no longer the residence of the current King but its reception and throne halls remain in use for occasional diplomatic functions.
When visiting the Grand Palace, visitors should not miss dropping by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where a 24-inch image of the Lord Buddha is housed. Interestingly, the image is not really made of emerald but of a single piece of jasper.
Before entering the Grand Palace, remember to dress properly. Women are requested not to wear slacks, shorts and sandals. Cameras are allowed inside the palace but not in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Open from 8:30 a.m.- noon and 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.. Admission fee is Bt200, including a ticket to Vimanmek Royal Mansion. Contact Nos. 02-222-0094, 02-222-6889 and 02-222-2208.
WAT PHRA KAEO OR TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA. A treasure house of Thai arts. Also home to the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Admission Bt200. Open 8:30am-3:30pm
WAT PHO OR TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA. The oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Houses the second largest reclining Buddha image in Thailand. Bt20. 8am-5pm
WAT SUTHAT AND THE GIANT SWING. Bangkok's tallest Wiharn, it houses a 14th century Buddha statue from the Sukhothai period. The Giant Swing was once used in Brahmanic ceremonies. Bt20. 8:30am-9pm
BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM. One of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. Bt40. Wed-Sun 9am-4pm
Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. Famous for its porcelain-encrusted central pagoda which sparkles in the sun. Bt10. 7:30am-5:30pm
SHOPPING
Buddha images on Bamrung Muang Road (8am-6pm). Fresh-cut flowers at Pak Khlong Market (24hrs daily), RTWs at Banglampoo Market (10am-6pm). Clothes and fashion accessories (new or used) at Memorial Bridge Night Bazaar (7pm-2am, except Wednesdays). Fabrics sold by the yard at Soi Wanit 1 or Sampeng Lane (8am-6pm).
DINING
Khanom Jeen Sao Naam (rice noodle with coconut milk, pineapple and powdered shrimps) at Somsong Potchana (9:30am-3:30pm). Bah Mee Moo Yang (Chinese-style egg noodle with roasted pork and wontons) at Bah Mee Boonlert (6pm-11pm). Khao Moo Daeng (BBQ or red-roasted pork over rice with gravy) at Niyom Potchana (10am-7pm).
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