Rattanakosin

 Rattanakosin Island, The Old City

Rattanakosin Island, The Old City, is the historic centre of Bangkok, where most of Bangkok's must-see sights can be found, including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Bordered by the Chao Phraya River to the west and various canals to the east, the island was the core of the ancient capital around which was built the current metropolis. Rattanakosin is translatable in “The city of the jewel of Indra” and it was founded in 1782; when Rama I the Great moved the Siamese capital across the river from Thonburi in a more strategic position, where was located a pre-existing village called Bang Makok. During the first years of its reign, Rama I began the works to transform the village in the first capital of Rattanakosin Kingdom, Anachak Rattanakosin, later called the Kingdom of Siam. New canals and fortifications were built to defend the entire area. Like Ayutthaya, the focal point of island,it was a wide open field and today is the royal square Sanam Luang, around which were built several temples, sumptuous buildings and a new royal palace, the current Grand Palace, which was inaugurated in 1785 on King's coronation day. The Grand Palace is undoubtedly the most visited and known monument of whole Thailand, an attraction that visitors must see at least once in their lives. The huge complex is made up of several buildings, including Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, better known as Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred temple of Thailand that houses the Emerald Buddha, considered the palladium of the Thai monarchy. A few steps away from the Grand Palace, is located the Wat Pho. The temple complex was the Royal Monastery during the reign of King Rama I and houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including the world-famous Reclining Buddha. Other historic sites in Rattanakosin include: Wat Mahathat Yuwarat Rangsarit that is one of the ten first-class temples in Bangkok. It is located just 500 meters north of the Grand Palace. Wat Suthat and Giant Swing, that is located on Bamrung Muang Road in the heart of Rattanakosin Island. Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, best known as Wat Bowon, a first class Royal Buddhist monastery located 1 km north of the Grand Palace. Wat Saket and The Golden Mount, namely a man-made hill with a golden chedi 80 meters high on the hilltop located 1.5 km east of Grand Palace; and Loha Prasat Monastery, also known as Metal Pagoda or Metal Castle, namely a 36 meters tall multi-story structure, with 37 metal spires located along the street leading to the Golden Mountain. Rattanakosin Island covers most of Phra Nakhon district; get here from other Bangkok's areas is a little hard 'cause the Skytrain and subway services do not cover the area yet. Currently, the only option to reach this historic area is to take a taxi. A simple alternative is to use the Skytrain up to Saphan Taksin BTS Station of Silom Line, then walk until the Sathorn Pier. From there you can take a Chao Phraya boat until the Chang Pier, which is at a within walking distance from the entrance of Grand Palace, or until the Tha Tien Pier, more close to Wat Pho. More