The Bangkok Atlas guide
Old Town · Rattanakosin
เกาะรัตนโกสินทร์ — Where Bangkok began
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the temples of the old royal island — come early, dress for the temples and walk between them.
The royal island: the Grand Palace's golden spires, Wat Pho's reclining Buddha, amulet markets, and shophouse dynasties frying pad thai for their fourth generation. Preservation rules keep towers out, so staying here means old walk-ups, guesthouses and the best sunrise walk in Thailand — across Sanam Luang with the palace glowing. Khao San's backpacker carnival rages on the island's northern edge, one khlong away from monastic quiet.
Getting around
- Sanam ChaiMRT Blue Line
Don't miss
Wat PhoTemple
The reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage.
Grand PalacePalace
The Emerald Buddha's home — Thailand's most sacred ground.
ThipsamaiRestaurant
The century-old pad thai that defines the dish.
Khao San RoadNightlife
The backpacker bacchanal, still going after all these years.