Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok Overview

Rattanakosin Island is the Old City of Bangkok, in the Phra Nakhon District. Bordered by the Chao Phraya River and located north of Chinatown, this island is home to historic landmarks like the Grand Palace, the Wat Phra Kaew and the Wat Pho, marking the trajectory of Thai Royal and National History. The rich heritage and cultural sites of the Island make it a perfect location for all those wishing to experience Thai traditions and culture.

Perfect for couples, families and individuals alike, the charming island also has a wide range of eating and entertainment joints to choose from. It takes its visitors down the memory lane. The ample historic sites are a testament to the rich Thai history and leave everyone spellbound! Certainly, Rattanakosin Island is a must visit for all those wishing to have a firsthand experience of Thai culture, history and lifestyle.

Places to Visit on Rattanakosin Island

Rattanakosin Island has a lot to offer, whether it is the majestic Grand Palace or the ephemeral beauty of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew Temple, the old city leaves no stone unturned to enthrall the tourists. Other prominent attractions include the Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat, Sanam Luang, the City Pillar Shrine, the National Gallery, Little India and Chinatown.

The Grand Palace is one of the traditional residences of the Thai royal family. Its exquisite architecture and larger-than-life interiors make it a must-visit for all! Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Mahathat temples provide a glimpse into the traditional Thai religious cultures and practices, while sites such as the City Pillar Shrine, National Gallery, Little India and Chinatown are representative of the rich history of Thailand, that encompasses several communities, genres of culture and art and historical events of negotiations and resistance.

Rattanakosin Restaurants and Nightlife

Rattanakosin Island has a wide scope of eateries and entertainment joints, catering to families, couples and the youth. The Khao San Road is littered with such spots. One place that tourists must check out is the Amorosa Bar and Deck, which offers fantastic views of the sunset set against the Bangkok skyline. Since it’s highly popular among tourists, get there early to reserve your spot.

If you are looking for a cheaper and more convenient option, Chinatown will be the safest bet! With pubs, bars and local cloth stores, this part of the city is bustling and spirited round the clock. It is a mixture of all things loud, lively and dramatic in the urban Bangkok environment, making it a perfect spot for backpackers and people travelling on a budget, yet wishing to experience the fullest of what Thailand has to offer. Check out the Grand China Princess revolving rooftop bar here! It's impressive decor, the variety of drinks, eagle-eyed views and budget-friendly menu make it a good option.

Best Time to Visit

Rattanakosin Island can be visited at any time of the day. The area is extremely popular among tourists, and is, therefore, packed all the time. Start your itineraries early in the morning to cover the fantastic sights that the Island has to offer.

Getting Around Rattanakosin Island

Rattanakosin Island is located in the Phra Nakhon District. BTS Sky Train and MRT are not accessible here, therefore, one can only use taxis, tuk-tuk, buses and boats to get around. Metered taxis are a reliable and efficient way of getting around if you don’t wish to use public transport services.

The Chao Phraya Express river boat piers provide an extensive network of waterways linking the most important sites at the Rattanakosin Island. For 150 Thai baht, a passenger can take unlimited trips on the water service. Important bus routes are 53, 2, 511, 15, 47, 79 and 60