Old City: What to see & do

The majesty and grandeur of Rattanakosin's temples, palaces and pavilions, which date back to the beginning of the Chakri Dynasty and the foundation of the new capital, rarely disappoint. For those seeking an initiation into Thailand's unique culture and history, a visit here is a must. Bangkok's longest boulevard, Rachadamnoen Avenue, is the scene of royal pomp and ceremony during times of celebration, mass-protest and demonstration during upheaval.

It links the Houses of Parliament at the north end, and leads to the Grand Palace at the other. Other significant sights include Makahan Fort, the Temple of the Golden Mount - a glittering 59-metre high chedi on a man-made hill - and Wat Sutat. The latter is one of the city's oldest temples and site of the Great Swing, where young men used to ride perilously high in an attempt to grab a bag of silver coins - until the King banned it back in 1932 on account of the many deaths it caused. The striking-looking Democracy Monument, built in 1932 to commemorate the peaceful transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy, is also on Rachadamnoen.

At its end to the west and clustered together are the highlights of the Old City's attractions, and some of the country's most cherished treasures. These include the hallowed Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), flanked by the regal splendor of the Grand Palace and Bangkok's oldest temple, Wat Pho, with its reclining Buddha. The National Museum with its dusty treasures from across Southeast Asia, the City Pillar Shrine, and the National Gallery are also nearby. Located in front of Wat Phra Kaew, Sanam Luang is a historic park next to the Grand Palace. Its traditionally used for Royal and Buddhist ceremonies, and a popular spot for kite flying. 

Falling inside the Old City but jarringly incongruous with the rest of it, is Khao San Road.

Learn More About the Old City: Where to Stay, Shopping, Where to Eat, Nightlife, Getting Around

Learn about other City Sights: Sukhumvit, Chidlom-Ploenchit, Siam, Silom, Ratchaprasong, Sathorn, Khao San Road, Riverside, Chinatown, Chatuchak, Pratunam, Ratchadapisek

The Queen's Gallery opened in 2003 in response to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's initiative to create a permanent public space to exhibit and promote the works of both established and up-and-coming Thai artists. Set in a five-storey building, the gallery covers 3,700 square metres of minimalist space to showcase permanent as well as changing exhibitions.

Open: 10:00 - 19:00; closed on Wednesdays
Location: 101 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (near Phan Fah Bridge)
Contact: +66 (0)2 281 5360-1
Admission: 20 baht

Housed in a former Royal Mint built during the reign of King Rama V, the National Gallery displays work by Thai artists from the 17th Century onwards. Inherited by the Department of Fine Arts in 1974, it includes permanent exhibitions of works by King Rama VI and H.M. King Bhumibhol Adulyadej, traditional murals from early periods in the capital's history, and pioneering Thai modern art. Particularly evident is the influence of Western schools of art, like impressionism and cubism, on recent Thai artists. There is also an area featuring temporary exhibitions of art from home and abroad, everything from painting and sculptures to prints and installations.

Open: 09:00 - 16:00 (Wednesday - Sunday)
Location: 4 Chao-Fa Road, opposite the National Theatre, Rattanakosin
Admission: 30 baht tourists, 10 baht Thais
Contact: +66 (0)2 282 2639

Many who've lived in Bangkok their whole lives don't know who Silpa Bhirasri is. Without exception though, they've seen his work. He was an Italian-born sculptor who first came to Thailand in 1923 to work for the Department of Fine Arts. Today he's regarded as the father of modern art in Thailand, his work on show in public places throughout the city. Many iconic and impressive landmarks and monuments were cast by his able hands, and some of his best-known works include the Democracy Monument and statues of King Taksin, King Rama I and King Rama VI.

This memorial and museum at Silapakorn University is located in the building he not only lived, worked and taught in, but also designed. It maintains the original atmosphere, with paintings and sculptures as well as implements used on show. Works of several of his pupils are also displayed, including famous painters Fua Haripitak, Khien Yimsiri and Saway Tantisuk.

Open: 09:00 - 12:00 (Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and public holidays)
Location: Fine Arts Department, Silpakorn University, Rattanakosin
Admission: free
Contact: +66 (0)2 223 6162

Circled by perpetual swarms of traffic, the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road is a large Western-style symbol of Thailand's adoption of democracy and liberty. Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram commissioned it to commemorate the June 1932 military coup that led to the country's first democratic constitution in place of absolute rule. He intended the monument to be the equivalent of the Arc de Triomphe, its European style a symbol of a newly invigorated Bangkok complete with similar Western freedoms. Like most monuments built in a spirit of self-congratulation, however, it came to resemble propaganda more then a celebration of a remarkable democratic awakening. By the time it was built in 1939, the regime had turned autocratic, factions in the regime leading to what was in effect a military dictatorship. Since then, however, it has gained a legitimacy it once lacked, pro-democracy demonstrators using it as a rallying point in 1973, 1976 and 1992.

Designed by Italian-born Thai citizen Corrado Feroci (who later adopted the Thai name Silpha Bhirasi), it's rich with symbolism relating to the constitution's birth date of June 24, 1932.  In its centre is a pedestal, inside of which is a copy of the original 1932 constitution. The four surrounding wing-like structures are 24 metres high to represent the date the constitution was signed, and each one symbolises one of the four branches of the Thai armed forces that guard it. Bas relief sculptures at the base of the monument depict the armed forces both as champions of democracy and as the personification of the Thai people.

Where: Ratchadamnoen Road, Rattanakosin (Old City)

Situated at the heart of old Rattanakosin city, Sanam Luang (the Royal Field) has been in existence since the founding of Bangkok (around 200 years ago).The area was also known as 'Thung Pra Meru' (Royal Cremation Ground), because it was originally used for royal cremations up until the reign of King Rama III, when the king decreed that all cremations be held outside the old city walls.

Surrounded by famous attractions such as the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum, National Gallery, the Supreme Court, and Ministry of Defense, Sanam Luang is a gathering ground for various activities throughout the year. Take part in the kite flying festival around March and see a plethora of colours in different shapes and sizes floating in the sky. Alternatively, have a family picnic in breezy late afternoon while watching an exciting game of sepak takraw (Asian football).

You can also feed the pigeons, or even have your fortune told! The Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May marks the start of the new planting season. It's when the royal oxen are brought out to plough the field, and to provide an omen for the coming plantation. As the year draws to an end, people congregate at Sanam Luang to celebrate the King's birthday on December 5, Constitution Day on December 10, and to usher in the New Year. Once in four years when the national elections come around, Sanam Luang is also where intense and vociferous political campaigning takes place.

Location: Phra Nakorn (near Khao San Road and the Grand Palace)