Rattanakosin Island

Rattanakosin Island is the historic heart of Bangkok, an artificial island formed by the Chao Phraya River and a ring of canals dug when the capital was founded here in 1782. Within its bounds stand the Grand Palace, major temples, government offices and old shophouse districts laid out along the early city's streets. The canals were cut to defend and drain the new royal capital. Visitors explore the quarter on foot or by canal boat, moving between gilded temple compounds, riverside piers and the low arcaded buildings of the old town.