I call the area around the Grand Palace of Thailand and places nearby as “Ko Rattanakosin”, which the direct translation is “Rattakosin island”. The area is called “island” because there is a canal circled around the area which makes the area look like an island. Well, I did not invent this term, but it is quite common among Thai people and anyone would understand where the area is located and what to expect from this area. Why is it so special and why do I recommend everyone to visit here once? Here are 3 reasons why you should visit Ko Rattanakosin.
Experience the Unseen History and Culture of Thailand
What do you know about Thai culture? My guess would be nice food, nice people or a golden roof temple, etc. These are what you normally see everyday and everywhere in social media. But here in Ko Rattanakosin, you will experience the “official” version of the history and culture of Thailand, which I would say is an unseen and unheard version of the history from social media.
Sounds boring? Not at all! Because there are many places around with many stunning architectures and the stories behind each place, which shaped the culture and the identity of the Thai people nowadays.
Ko Rattanakosin consists of many important historical landmarks starting from The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Here is the beginning of the “modern history of Thailand” or what Thai people called “Rattanakosin era”, started in 1782. The Grand Palace complex is also the residence of the Chakri Dynasty, the dynasty which is the current monarch of Thailand.
In the Grand Palace complex, you can also experience the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile which is the compilation of the work of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, in the realm of Thai textile and the creation of “Chud Thai”, the unique national costume of the Thai people.
Near the Grand Palace complex, you will see the huge public yard called Sanam Luang, connected by Na Phra Lan Tunnel, an underground walkway, which leads you to the nearby historical places such as Bangkok City Pillar Shrine and Wat Mahathat, where both have interesting stories and artifacts inside.
Speaking about artifacts, there are also many museums nearby where you can study more about the history of Thailand. Places like the National Museum of Bangkok and Museum Siam are very good start for your curiosity. You can click on the link of each place to read more about the highlights and what you should not miss in that place.
After you explore the area, I can guarantee you will understand more about Thailand, Thai culture and Thai people which definitely help you to have a blissful journey for your every trip to Thailand.
Be Aware of Your Dress Code!
Quick tips if you have decided to visit any places in this article, many places in Ko Rattanakosin are very STRICT with the dress code, especially when you plan to visit the Grand Palace and temples in this area. Here are what you should AVOID:
- Anything that revealing too much of your upper body part such as sleeveless shirt or sleeveless t-shirt, cropped waist shirt
- Sleeveless shirt WITH thin scarf or cape should also be avoided
- Anything that does not cover your ankle such as short skirt, short pants
- Pants or trousers with hole
- Pants or trousers which looks like skirt (Krapeng) should also be avoided
- Tights and leggings
- Pyjamas
Enjoy Life of the Old Town
Apart from the historical sites around Ko Rattanakosin, the buildings here are well preserved or newly renovated with careful design, not to ruin the mood and tone of the area. This means once you set your foot in this area, you will immerse yourself in the vibe of Bangkok in the old times.
There are many activities in this area as well. Of course, one activity you should not miss is the Thai massage at Wat Pho. The temple is located at the back of the Grand Palace. It is the place which originates the “Thai Massage”. If you are a massage lover, you must try the original one and let us know in the comment about the difference between Thai Massage and the other kind of massage you have experienced.
Another activity you should do is dining. Not at any restaurants, but at restaurants by the river side. Why does it have to be by the river? Because it is rare to find a dining place in Bangkok where you can enjoy the sunset by the river. Some restaurants even have a special view of Wat Arun with the sunset in the background, which is a perfect scene for a special dining with your loved one.
Talking about shopping, here the shop is quite limited. The area itself, since the old time, is filled with government offices, temples and royal residences. Shops you will see mostly offer items for local needs such as uniform tailors, shoes shops, stationery and food stalls.
One of the unique shops and well known in this area are the amulet shops. Around Tha Pra Chan pier, near Thammasat University, there are plenty of shops for amulets such as small Buddha pendants or many kinds of charms which are believed to help boost luck or protect you against the bad spirit. To collect or to give the amulet on a special occasion is part of Thai culture, as it is related to the local belief. You may visit and see what kind of amulets they are offering in the market and ask about the stories behind them. But do keep in mind that many people are speculating about the value of these amulets and some collections require a specialist to identify the real value of the amulets. If you decide to buy one, there is a high risk that they will overcharge you or not offer anything to you at all.
For souvenirs, it is okay to shop some from this area. You will find popular souvenirs such as T-shirts, fans, magnets, locally made inhaler or a small variety of handcraft. Prices here are not expensive but the variety of items might be limited. If you are looking for local food such as dry fruits, or snacks to carry back to your friends and family, this area is not a great place for those kinds of items.
Convenient Access and Plenty of Tuktuk Service
Nowadays it is very convenient to visit Ko Rattanakosin and travel around the area, and many places are located within walkable distances. No matter where you stay, you can easily commute here. These are modes of transportation I recommended.
By Boat
Boat is the most convenient way to commute here, especially if you stay in a hotel along the Chao Phraya riverside. It is also the most unique experience you should consider. You will be amazed at how the boat network can connect you to many places, even to the commercial district at the inner part of Bangkok.
There are 3 piers which you can choose to hop-off, depending on the place you would like to visit.
- Tha Chang pier. The pier is located near the entrance of the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang, Wat Mahathat and Bangkok City Pillar Shrine in a walkable distance. You can walk straight from the pier, along the white wall of the Grand Palace for about 300 meters you will find the Na Phra Lan Tunnel where you can cross the street to Sanam Luang or Wat Mahathat. If you continue to walk further for 50 meters, you will find the entrance of the Grand Palace (Manee Nopparat Gate) as well as the temple of the Emerald Buddha. If you continue further for 100 meters and cross the street, you will find the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine.
- Tha Tien pier.This pier is located at the back of the Grand Palace which is near the entrance of Wat Pho and Museum Siam. This pier also has the crossing ferry to the famous Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn – as well. Inside the pier, you can switch to the ferry crossing pier to the crossing ferry to Wat Arun. If you leave the pier and cross the street in front of the pier, you will find the entrance of Wat Pho. If you continue to walk along the Maharat Road towards the south for 400 meters, turn left at Setthakan Alley and walk for another 200 meters along the back of Wat Pho wall, you will find Museum Siam.
- Tha Rajinee pier. This pier is next to Tha Tien pier to the south. It is not a good choice to get off the boat at this pier in order to visit some place in this area due to the distances and difficulty of crossing the street. However, this pier connects to the MRT Sanam Chai station where you can take a ride to the inner city of Bangkok.
By MRT
If you come from the inner city of Bangkok, this will be the most convenient way. With this option, it will include a very long walk before reaching the center of this area. However, you can stop and enter many interesting places along the way.
Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station. The exit 1 of the MRT station is at the gate of Museum Siam. Walk along the Sanam Chai road towards the north for about 900 meters, you will pass Wat Pho. If you go further for about 550 meters, at the end of the Grand Palace’s wall you will notice the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine on your right and Sanam Luang in front of you. Turn left for about 130 meters and walk along, then you will find the entrance of the Grand Palace (Manee Nopparat Gate).
By BTS
Another option if you come from the inner city of Bangkok, you can choose to go to BTS Saphan Taksin Station and take a boat from there.
By Taxi/TukTuk
This is what I recommend only to commute within the area of Ko Rattanakosin, like hopping between museums in case you do not want to walk. There are also plenty of Tuktuk services in the area as well. However, the driver may offer or charge you an overpriced rate but you can always negotiate for a lower price. It is better to negotiate first before entering the vehicle.
Alternatively, you call TukTuk services from an application called Muvmi which is specifically an application for TukTuk ride. You can download the application from the link below and don’t forget to put the referral code HVSRJUZX for your first ride to support our website. (The link will redirect you to App Store for iPhone or Play Store for Android)
Download Muvmi on App Store 
Download Muvmi on Google Play 
