Royal Grand Palace

King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri dynasty, decided to move the capital of Thailand from Thonburi to Bangkok. He ordered the construction of the Grand Palace on the east side of the Chao Phraya River. This marked the beginning of the Rattanakosin Kingdom era. 

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To gather building materials, King Rama I sent workers to the old capital of Ayutthaya, which had been destroyed in 1767. They dismantled Ayutthaya's structures, including forts and palaces, and transported the bricks down the river to be used in the construction of the Grand Palace. The palace’s design drew inspiration from the Royal Palace of Ayutthaya, with similar features such as proximity to the river and an open field for royal ceremonies.

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Successive kings added to and expanded the palace. The palace complex became divided into four main courts: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, each with distinct functions and access. Apart from serving as the monarch's residence, the palace was also the administrative and religious center of the the newly found dynasty. While still used for royal ceremonies and state functions, it is no longer the primary residence of Thailand's royalty.

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Wat Phra Kaew (Special Class Royal Temple)

Located within the Grand Palace, this is Thailand's most revered temple and Buddha image. It was constructed in 1782 under the order of King Rama I, who also established the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The temple was built to house the Emerald Buddha, a sacred and historically significant statue, and to serve as a place for royal merit-making.

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The Emerald Buddha, is a revered Buddha image carved from emerald green nephrite jade. Originally discovered in the 15th century, it was first found in a pagoda at Wat Pa Ya in Chiang Rai. After a lightning strike caused the pagoda to collapse in 1434, a plaster-covered Buddha image was discovered, which, upon closer inspection, revealed the emerald jade beneath the plaster. King Taksin brought the Emerald Buddha to Thonburi, and later, King Rama I transported it across the Chao Phraya River by royal barge to its current resting place at Wat Phra Kaew within the Grand Palace, where it remains to this day.

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Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
This museum celebrates the rich heritage of Thai textiles, showcasing the beautiful craftsmanship and design of traditional garments worn by the royal family. Located within the Grand Palace grounds, the museum offers a deep dive into the history of Thai fabric and the art of silk weaving, particularly under the patronage of Queen Sirikit.

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Wat Chetuphon (1st Class Royal Temple)

Wat Phra Chetuphon or Wat Pho, is believed to have been in existence from the Ayutthaya Kingdom period. During the reign of King Rama I , he ordered the building of a new temple in a much grander scale. When it was completed in 1801, he graciously bestowed the name 'Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalavas', meaning 'the beautiful residence of the Lord Buddha'.

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Wat Pho is considered to be the temple with the most pagodas in Thailand. These pagodas can be divided into 4 types of pagodas: 4 Maha Chedi Si Rachakram, which are enshrined in the original Wat Photharam area, and those enshrined in the ordination hall area, which include 71 Phra Chedi Rai, 20 Phra Chedi Group 5 with a single base, and 4 Phra Chedi Prang or Phra Maha Stupa, a total sum of 99 pagodas.

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King Nangklao (Rama III) ordered the construction of a Reclining Buddha during a renovation phase. He built the Buddha image first and then built the temple over it later. The Buddha image is made of bricks and mortar and is entirely lacquered and gilded. Each foot of the Reclining Buddha is 1.5 meters wide and 5 meters long. There are 108 auspicious images decorated with mother-of-pearl. 

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Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit (1st Class Royal Temple)​

Believed to date back to the Ayutthaya period, it was reconstructed by the younger brother of King Rama I, who then established it as the first royal temple in the Rattanakosin era. One of the most significant and prominent structures in the temple is the "Phra Mondop," which was built to enclose the golden chedi containing the Buddha relics. Additionally, several Buddha statues from various provinces were brought and enshrined outside the Phra Mondop.

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Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand's oldest higher education institute for Buddhist monks, is on the temple grounds, with the first class admitted in 1889. Today, Wat Mahathat hosts Thailand’s largest monastic order and a Vipassana meditation center.

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Bangkok City Pillar Shrine
Lak Mueang, or city pillars, are found in most cities in Thailand and are typically housed in a shrine believed to contain the spirit deity Chao Pho Lak Mueang, who protects the city. The tradition of erecting a city pillar dates back to ancient Brahman customs. It symbolizes the city's foundation and serves as the spiritual center for its people. King Rama I is credited with erecting the first city pillar in Bangkok on April 21, 1782, when he moved the capital from Thonburi. This date is considered today as the official founding date of Bangkok city. The shrine was the first building constructed in the new capital. 

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Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre
The Khon show at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre is a 30-minute performance of the legendary Ramakien story. Showcasing elaborate costumes and graceful choreography. The show tells stories from Thai mythology and royal history, providing an immersive cultural experience in Bangkok’s iconic theatre.