Home to some of Bangkok’s most impressive attractions, including the stunning Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Rattanakosin is Bangkok’s historic district.
Line of Buddha – Wat Pho © Earth-Bound Misfit, I
🔍 Why Visit Rattanakosin?
The historical centre of the Rattanakosin Kingdom — Siam’s 18th and 19th century empire — Rattanakosin is an artificial island separated from the rest of Bangkok by canals on the east and the Chao Phraya River to the west.
Due to Rattanakosin’s significance in Thailand’s history, it’s home to the majority of Bangkok’s most impressive temples and cultural attractions, including the Grand Palace — the residence of the King of Siam until 1925. Rattanakosin is also home to a range of markets, museums and its wide pavements are ideal for walking by the river between attractions.
Bangkok Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Bangkok: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Bangkok.
- Things To Do In Bangkok: Check this huge list of Bangkok activities that you can book online.
- Flights To Bangkok: Find the cheapest flights to Bangkok and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
- Bangkok Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Thailand.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
🏮 Things to See and Do in Rattanakosin
Grand Palace © Andrea Schaffer
| Attraction | What To Expect |
|---|---|
| The Grand Palace – Palace / Temple | Built by King Rama I in 1782, the Grand Palace served as the official home of the King of Siam until 1925. Entry is 500 baht, which also includes access to Dusit Palace. Inside you’ll find Wat Phra Kaew — one of Thailand’s most important and sacred Buddhist temples. |
| Wat Pho – Temple | Popularly known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is a short distance from the Grand Palace. The temple houses one of the world’s largest Buddha images, measuring over 160 feet in length. |
| Wat Pho Thai Massage School – Massage | Wat Pho is often referred to as Thailand’s first university because of its massage school. The school, which is still open today, provides training in Thai massage and offers inexpensive Thai massage starting from 420 baht per hour. |
| Sanam Luang – Park / Public Square | Located in front of the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang is a large public green space used for ceremonies and events for centuries. Note that scammers often operate nearby, offering to help tourists feed birds at massively inflated rates — politely refuse if approached. |
| Saranrom Park – Park | Saranrom Park is a charming small park located a short distance from the Grand Palace. Originally the grounds of a palace built by King Rama IV, much of his design has been retained. A nice place to escape the heat in between visiting nearby temples. |
| Amulet Market – Market | Tha Chang Pier — the Chao Phraya Express Boat pier nearest the Grand Palace — is home to an amulet market open from 7 am until 5 pm. The area also contains an excellent fresh food market, making it a good place to stop for lunch. |
| Wat Saket (Golden Mount) – Temple / Viewpoint | Wat Saket, commonly known as the Golden Mount, is a hilltop Buddhist temple built during the Ayutthaya era. The temple offers fantastic panoramic views of Bangkok, making it one of the most popular with Thais and tourists alike. |
| Wat Suthat – Temple | Less crowded than the other temples in the area, Wat Suthat is a large Buddhist temple within walking distance of the Grand Palace. The Giant Swing — a gigantic swing used in traditional ceremonies — is located opposite the temple grounds. |
| Wat Ratchabophit – Temple | A short walk from the Grand Palace, Wat Ratchabophit is an impressive Buddhist temple that houses the Thai Royal Cemetery. Numerous monuments and memorials to relatives of King Chulalongkorn are located within the temple grounds. |
| Bangkok National Museum – Museum | Southeast Asia’s largest museum, Bangkok National Museum houses a range of exhibits with a focus on Thai history, culture and art. Many exhibits also focus on the arts and culture of other Southeast and East Asian civilisations. |
| King Prajadhipok Museum – Museum | A museum dedicated to the reign of Rama VII — Thailand’s last absolute monarch. The museum houses exhibits covering Thai history from the late 19th century until the beginning of World War II. |
| Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium – Sport | Rajadamnern Stadium is one of the best places in Bangkok to view live Muay Thai. Fights are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 6:30 pm. Ringside seats are 2,000 baht; regular stands are 1,000 baht per person. |
Rattanakosin Hotels
⭐ Best Luxury Hotels in Rattanakosin
| Hotel | About |
|---|---|
| Sala Rattanakosin – Agoda | Sala Rattanakosin is a luxurious 4½ star hotel offering fantastic views of Wat Arun. Thanks to its quiet and peaceful location next to the Chao Phraya River and close to Rattanakosin’s best temples and cultural attractions, Sala Rattanakosin offers both relaxation and convenience. |
| Riva Surya Bangkok Hotel – Agoda | Conveniently located on Phra Athit Road, Riva Surya Bangkok Hotel offers spacious, modern and luxurious rooms with a location just steps away from some of the city’s best restaurants, cafés and bars. |
🏢 Best Mid Range Hotels in Rattanakosin
| Hotel | About |
|---|---|
| Arun Residence – Agoda | Arun Residence is a comfortable four-star hotel located beside the Chao Phraya River. Best known for The Deck — its charming riverside restaurant with great views of Wat Arun — Arun Residence is a good choice for travellers seeking a convenient yet relaxing location. |
| Sourire at Rattanakosin Island Hotel – Agoda | Sourire at Rattanakosin Island Hotel offers a variety of cosy and comfortable rooms decorated with classic furniture. Thanks to its location on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, it’s a short walk from Bangkok’s most popular temples and the nearby nightlife on Khao San Road. |
| Baan Dinso 2 – Agoda | This conveniently located three-star hotel offers excellent views of the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Rooms are cosy but ideal for travellers seeking a combination of location, comfort and affordability. |
| The Warehouse Bangkok – Agoda | The Warehouse Bangkok offers industrial-styled rooms in a fantastic location near the Grand Palace. Sights such as Wat Pho and Sanam Luang are within easy walking distance, as is the nearest Chao Phraya Express Boat pier. |
| Feung Nakorn Balcony – Agoda | Feung Nakorn Balcony is a conveniently located 3½ star hotel. Rooms range from dorm beds to suites ideal for families and large groups. Despite being located close to Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace, it’s a quiet and relaxing place to stay. |
| Villa Phra Sumen Bangkok – Agoda | Villa Phra Sumen is a modern three-star hotel overlooking one of Rattanakosin’s numerous khlongs. Its spacious, well decorated rooms are ideal for relaxing after a day exploring Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and other nearby attractions. |
💰 Best Budget Hotels in Rattanakosin
| Hotel | About |
|---|---|
| Golden Mountain Hostel – Agoda | Golden Mountain Hostel offers clean, simple and comfortable dorms (complete with pod-style beds) and private rooms. Located on Boripat Road, it’s a 10-minute walk to Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace. |
| The Region Hostel – Agoda | The Region Hostel is a clean, comfortable and simple hostel located within walking distance of Wat Saket. Although it bills itself as a hostel, only private rooms with double and twin beds are offered. |
| Paragon One Residence – Agoda | Paragon One Residence is a clean, simple hotel located a short walk away from Khao San Road and the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen. Rooms are very basic but comfortable enough for travellers seeking a cheap place to sleep. |
| Au Bon Hostel – Agoda | Located less than five minutes away from Sanam Luang, Au Bon Hostel offers simple, clean rooms in a convenient location. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, but don’t expect much in the way of luxuries. |
| Ratchadamnoen Residence – Agoda | Located close to the Democracy Monument and Khao San Road, Ratchadamnoen Residence is a surprising find. This no-frills hotel offers comfortable, clean rooms decorated with a stylish collection of mid-century modern furniture. |
| Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel – Agoda | Located close to Wat Saket, Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel is a convenient choice if you plan on travelling around the city by khlong boat. Rooms are clean and simple, with attractions like the Grand Palace and Khao San Road nightlife a short walk away. |
| At Smile House – Agoda | At Smile House offers a range of stylishly decorated rooms — the superior rooms all feature brushed concrete walls and modern furniture — with a convenient location a few minutes from Sanam Luang and Khao San Road. |
| Baanboran – Agoda | Baanboran Bangkok is a simple two-star hotel decorated in a classic Thai style. Rooms come in twin and double varieties, some with a shared bathroom. Five minutes to Sanam Luang on foot. |
| Arom D Hostel – Agoda | Located less than a minute’s walk from Wat Pho, Arom D Hostel has one of the best locations in Rattanakosin. Dorm beds start from 500 baht per night, with private twin and double rooms also available. |
Bangkok Things To Do
🍕 Places to Eat in Rattanakosin
Wat Arun © Adam Baker
| Restaurant | About |
|---|---|
| The Deck by The River – International, Arun Residence | The Deck by the River is a riverside restaurant inside the Arun Residence offering fantastic views of Wat Arun. Call ahead to book a table, especially if visiting between December and February. |
| Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar – Thai / International | Located inside the stylish Sala Rattanakosin Hotel, this restaurant offers a menu of Thai and international dishes along with a great view of Wat Arun. Ideal for romantic meals and special occasions. |
| Thip Samai Pad Thai – Thai | Better known as Pad Thai Phatupee, Thip Samai has been open since 1966 and is arguably Bangkok’s most famous Pad Thai restaurant. Unlike others, Thip Samai’s chefs prepare the classic dish over charcoal. |
| Krua Khun Kung – Thai Seafood, Navy Club Building | Krua Khun Kung offers a more local riverside dining experience than Rattanakosin’s other riverside restaurants. Located inside the Navy Club Building, this seafood restaurant serves classic Thai dishes alongside a good view of the Chao Phraya River. |
| Krisa Coffee Shop – Thai, opposite the Grand Palace | Located opposite the Grand Palace, Krisa Coffee Shop is a conveniently located café that’s a great place to stop for lunch in between visiting Rattanakosin’s temples. The menu covers all of the classic Thai dishes at reasonable prices. |
| Old Town Café Bangkok – Café / Sandwiches | Old Town Café Bangkok serves excellent sandwiches, croissants and coffee a short distance from the Grand Palace. One of the best cafés in Rattanakosin for a coffee and lunch break in between visiting the temples and museums. |
| Arom D Café and Bistro – Thai / International, Arom D Hostel | Located inside Arom D Hostel, Arom D Café and Bistro serves strong coffee and tasty Thai and international food just a few minutes from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. A great place to stop for lunch or just for a morning coffee. |
🍻 Nightlife in Rattanakosin
Ferry Pier at Phra Athit © Harold Kuiper
| Bar / Club | About |
|---|---|
| Khao San Road – Bar strip | Rattanakosin’s nightlife is mostly found around Khao San Road — the iconic backpacker street located a short walk from Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Drinks are cheap and bars packed with a mixed crowd of backpackers and Thai locals. |
| Phra Athit Road – Jazz bars / Restaurants | Located to the north of Khao San Road, Phra Athit Road is home to a selection of Bangkok’s most popular jazz bars and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. |
🚌 Getting to Rattanakosin
| How To Get Here | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛵ By River Boat | Most of Rattanakosin’s attractions can be accessed from the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are a short walk from Tha Chang Pier (N9) while nightlife and the area’s best restaurants and cafés are easy to access from Phra Athit Pier (N13). The Chao Phraya Express Boat connects with the BTS Skytrain at Sathorn Pier (CEN). |
| 🚌 By BTS Skytrain | Although Rattanakosin doesn’t have its own BTS or MRT stations, it’s often quicker to take the BTS to Phaya Thai or National Stadium and catch a cab than to use the river boat from further away. |
🗺️ Bangkok Area Guide
Bangkok has numerous areas of interest to tourists - see our Quick Guides to each Bangkok area to help you get a sense of what you can find in each district.
| Area | Nearest BTS / MRT | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Rattanakosin | Sanam Chai MRT | Grand Palace, Wat Po, Bangkok's historic royal core |
| Bangkok Riverside | Saphan Taksin BTS | Chao Phraya views, Asiatique, luxury riverside hotels |
| Khao San Road | Sanam Chai MRT (then walk/taxi) | Backpacker hub, cheap guesthouses, bars, street food |
| Siam Square / Chit Lom | Siam BTS / Chit Lom BTS | Bangkok's central shopping district, Siam Paragon, Central World, Erawan Shrine |
| Lower Sukhumvit - Nana and Asoke | Nana BTS / Asok BTS / Sukhumvit MRT | Hotels, restaurants, nightlife, Terminal 21 mall |
| Central Sukhumvit - Thonglor and Phrom Phong | Phrom Phong BTS / Thong Lo BTS | Upmarket dining, EmQuartier malls, expat-heavy neighbourhood |
| Silom and Sathorn | Sala Daeng BTS / Silom MRT / Chong Nonsi BTS | Business district, Patpong, Lumphini Park, rooftop bars |
| Chatuchak | Mo Chit BTS / Chatuchak Park MRT | Chatuchak Weekend Market - one of the world's largest |
| Ari | Ari BTS | Quiet, leafy neighbourhood with good cafes and local restaurants |
| Victory Monument | Victory Monument BTS | Transport hub, local market food, day-trip minibus terminals |
| Phaya Thai | Phaya Thai BTS / Airport Rail Link | Airport Rail Link terminus, budget hotels, local market streets |
| Upper Sukhumvit | On Nut BTS / Udom Suk BTS | Local neighbourhood, good value hotels, expat community |
| Ratchadaphisek | Thailand Cultural Centre MRT | Train Night Market, local bars, nightlife strip, Esplanade mall |
