To most casual visitors, Bangkok’s Rattanakosin island (which overlaps significantly, but is not one and the same with the Phra Nakhon Old City) is the oldest place in the capital. Of course, Rattanakosin is Thailand’s fourth capital; Thonburi, just over the river, was the third.
In this way, you might think of Rattanakosin as Bangkok’s “New-Old City,” though this is obviously somewhat confusing in a modern context, with so many centuries-old structures everywhere. But no matter.
If you read through the guide I’ve prepared for you, you’ll be familiar with all the things to do in Rattanakosin in a matter of minutes. Even if you don’t visit Thonburi (let alone Ayutthaya and Sukhothai) to compare!
Rattanakosin Isn’t Thailand’s Original Capital
Before I begin my Rattanakosin travel guide in earnest, we should do a quick Thai history lesson. Namely, although Rattanakosin is certainly “old,” it wasn’t Thailand’s first or even second capital. Those would be Sukhothai, which is located about halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and Ayutthaya, which is about a third of the way between Bangkok and Sukhothai. Both of these places are well-preserved and very worth visiting.
In about 1767, however, a Burmese attack on Ayutthaya led the Thai royal family to move the capital to Thonburi, which is just over the river from modern Bangkok. Just five years after that, King Rama I (the first of the Chakri dynasty that still rules over Thailand) established the fourth (and, at the moment, last) Thai capital in what is now the old city of Bangkok, specifically on Rattanakosin island.
Top Places to Visit in Rattanakosin
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
I’ll be honest: I don’t necessarily think the Grand Palace (and the attached Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha) lives up to the hype. It certainly doesn’t justify its massive 500 baht entry fee! Still, it is the centerpiece of Bangkok’s Old City and Thailand’s most iconic tourist attraction, so you should probably visit.
Wat Pho
Indeed, I consider nearby Wat Pho (aka Temple of the Reclining Buddha) to be a superior addition to your Rattanakosin itinerary. It’s also become overpriced in recent years (300 baht as of 2026, compared to less than a quarter of that a decade ago), but the huge reclining Buddha is just so stunning to admire.
BONUS: If you visit Wat Pho in the afternoon, make sure and walk across the street and down Soi Tha Suphan around sunset time for an amazing view of Wat Arun across the river. Thank me later!
Wat Saket
Whether in terms of the view from the top, or admiring the castle-like structure from ground level, the aptly-named Golden Mount (officially known as Wat Saket) is a standout in Bangkok’s old city. TIP: I don’t recommend wasting time or money at the overrated Raan Jay Fai nearby!
The Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha)
With this being said, another one of my favorite things to do in Rattanakosin is just up the street from Wat Saket. I’m talking, of course, about Sao Ching Cha, known in English as the Giant Swing. It’s named as such because in the 18th century, local people would actually use the structure as a actual swing to get closer to nirvana. (Many “succeeded,” sadly.)
Other Rattanakosin treasures
Once you’ve finished exploring core Rattanakosin attractions, I generally suggest heading north. Stops might include the stunning Lohas Prasat temple, the gorgeous marble Wat Benjambophit or the “standing” Buddha of Wat Intharawihan. Alternatively, if you head southward toward Sam Yot Station, you can stop at the European-fusion style Wat Ratchabophit.
Are Rattanakosin and Phra Nakhon the Same Place?
Although Phra Nakhon (literally, the “Royal City”) is on Rattanakosin island, they are necessarily the same place. Rattanakosin is larger than just Phra Nakhon; it also includes parts of Yaowarat (Chinatown) and the Khao San Road backpacker area, among other neighborhoods. On the other hand, for a lot of tourists, it’s simply easier to think of these places interchangeably.
To put it another way, while not even trip to Rattanakosin necessitates a trip to Phra Nakhon, every trip to Phra Nakhon necessitates a trip to Rattanakosin. And since most tourists bound for Old Bangkok ultimately want to see sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the Giant Swing, it makes sense that in their mind, this is a distinction without a difference. One other interesting note? The Dusit Royal Palace is in neither Phra Nakhon or Rattanakosin!
Other FAQ About Visiting Rattanakosin
Is Rattanakosin worth visiting?
Rattanakosin is absolutely worth visiting! In addition to being home to some of Bangkok’s most impressive ancient and royal sites, it’s one of the city’s most walkable areas and is also a street food paradise. It’s even connected to the modern part of the city via MRT, making it easier than ever to access.
Are Rattanakosin and Thonburi the same thing?
Although Rattanakosin and Thonburi are both “lobes” of Bangkok’s Old City, they are not one and the same. Thonburi, on the west bank of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, was the capital of Thailand before Rattanakosin (on the east bank) assumed that status. I do, however, recommend visiting both!
Should I visit Bangkok’s Old City?
You should absolutely visit Bangkok’s Old City! This is true whether you prioritize Rattanakosin, the more mainstream side that’s home to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, or go off the beaten path in Thonburi, where you find (among other attractions) the Wat Pak Nam giant Buddha.
The Bottom Line
Searching for things to do in Rattanakosin? The newer “lobe” of Bangkok’s old city is a travel gold mine, one whose appeal extends far beyond the famous Grand Palace. Likewise, it’s a place that demands multiple visits; I return almost every time I’m in Bangkok, and the district somehow seems richer and more impressive, no matter what reason I’m there, or if I’m there without any reason at all. I especially love hanging out there at sunset and just after night has fallen, though it’s magical at any time of day—mornings are amazing as well! Need personalized help integrating Rattanakosin into your Bangkok trip (and into Thailand more broadly)? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
