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Thailand’s capital stakes its claim as one of the most visited cities in the world.
The amount that Bangkok has to offer seems endless.
Whether it’s delicious back-alley bites or bouncing back-alley bars, luxury lifestyle-lined shopping malls to massive maze-like markets — whatever type of trip you’re after, it’s here.
Today, I’ll guide you through the classic and historic heart of the city, where cultural significance and religious landmarks are in a winning fight against the new.
And the best part? It can all be done in a single day.
Welcome to Rattanakosin Island.
Things to remember:
- Start the day early(ish): Give yourself plenty of time to explore all the sites.
- Avoid weekends (if possible): generally less crowded on weekdays
- Bring cash: Always handy to have some on you in Thailand.
- Google Maps: Use the app to navigate easily through this guide.
- Modest clothing: Needed for temple access (in vogue elephant pants are available at most sites).
- Convenient footwear: shoes off in temples make laces a nuisance.
- Sunscreen: The sun in Thailand is on another level — be smart, protect your skin.
- Decent camera: Tons of great photo ops for those Insta likes (if that’s your thing).
- Power bank: Never a bad idea to keep one handy on the go.
Where to begin
If you’re not already nearby, follow these steps:
- Head to Ratchathewi BTS Station
- Take Exit 1 and walk to Saphan Hua Chang Pier (aka Ratchathewi Pier)
- Jump on one of the river taxis heading west (away from the bridge)
- Pay for your ticket onboard — it costs about 10 to 14 Baht (~$0.30 to $0.42 USD)
- Keep your ticket until you exit at the arrival pier — they might ask to see it again, but usually don’t
- Get off at Han Fa Lilat Pier (aka Panfa Leelard Pier).
This is the last stop, so you can’t miss it.
The boat ride only takes around 12–15 minutes and is a cheap, cheerful way to see a different side of the city — one you definitely shouldn’t miss if you want to skip Bangkok traffic.
Wat Saket: Golden Views from above
When you come out of the pier, tuk-tuk drivers will be ready to pounce on you like hungry jaguars.
Politely tell them, “mai chai, mai chai” — you don’t need one of these. Not yet.
Take a look around. You’ll see the Golden Mount towering across from the bridge in all its glory.
Here’s an easy navigation trick: just follow that big gold thing.
Once you get to Wat Saket, take a lap around its base.
Towards the back of the complex, see if you can find the snug little cave housing some slightly interesting sights to behold.
After this, take the not-so-daring 344 steps up to the very top of the temple and enjoy views of the city.
Cost: Entry is free, except for going up the mount itself — that will set you back 100 Baht (~$3.00 to $3.10 USD).
As you explore today’s sights, keep an eye out — are you paying more than the locals?
👉 Read my blog here to learn all about Thailand’s dual pricing tourist tax.
The Grand Palace: Secrets of The Emerald Buddha
Walking to the next spot can take up to 30 minutes.
If you fancy it, go for it.
But in my opinion, there’s a far more enjoyable option you must experience at least once.
Remember those tuk-tuk drivers?
Go find them and say, “Pai Grand Palace.”
Here are some tips for a Smooth Tuk-Tuk Experience:
- Negotiate beforehand: Ask “tao rai?” (how much?). If they say anything over 200 Baht, say “paeng” — that means too expensive. I wouldn’t pay more than that.
- Consider alternatives: If you’re not getting anywhere with negotiating and can’t be bothered to walk, use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Bolt for a set fare.
- Be aware of scams: Some drivers will say popular sites are closed and offer unsolicited tours instead — just say no.
I have a blog coming soon on how to avoid scams in Bangkok.
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When you arrive, just follow the crowds into the walled complex.
I’d recommend picking up an audio guide — without it, there’s a lot of nice-looking stuff, with not much context.
The total cost to enter the Grand Palace with an audio guide is 700 Baht (~$20–$23 USD). Here’s the breakdown:
- Entrance Fee: 500 Baht
- Audio Guide Rental: 200 Baht
The main highlights include:
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): Thailand’s holiest shrine.
- The Emerald Buddha: A small, sacred jade statue on a golden pedestal.
- The Upper Terrace: Golden chedis, a model of Angkor Wat, and the Royal Pantheon.
- Chakri Maha Prasat Hall: A Western-style royal residence with traditional Thai roofs.
- Dusit Maha Prasat Hall: A classic Thai throne hall used for ceremonies.
Take your time here — this is the big one, the holy grail of Thailand’s culture and history.
By now, you’re really having a great day — look at you!
How about we head to the next destination then?
But first things first: let’s get some lunch.
Wat Pho: Where the Buddha fully reclines
As you make your way toward Wat Pho, stop by Home Cafe Tha Tien.
It’s a great little pit stop, located almost directly on your route to the next destination.
This cosy eatery specialises in home-cooked classic Thai dishes at reasonable prices.
Go get yourself a Pad Thai and a strawberry smoothie — you deserve it.
Now it’s time to head towards Wat Pho.
This is probably my favourite site on today’s list — it’s less crowded yet still ripe with substance.
- Entrance Fee: 300 Baht for foreign visitors.
- Children under 120 cm: Free admission
What’s Included at Wat Pho:
- Full access to the entire temple complex, including the iconic 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha
- The chance to visit the birthplace of Thai massages
- Cafe Amazon — because why not?
Massage services are available on-site at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical School, with prices as follows:
- Thai Massage: 30 minutes – 260 Baht | 1 hour – 420 Baht
- Foot Massage: 30 minutes – 280 Baht | 1 hour – 420 Baht
“paeng” in my opinion, but you can’t put a price on novelty.
Now that you’re fully relaxed, revitalised, and ready to go, it’s time to hop on another boat — this time across the iconic Chao Phraya River.
Skip the crowds and save time—book all your tours and tickets in advance with Klook, offering convenience at competitive prices.
Wat Arun: Sunset Across the Chao Phraya
Start the 3–5 minute walk to Tha Tien Pier, where — if you haven’t already — you’ll start to see the grandeur and scale of the iconic monument ahead.
Built as far back as the 17th century, Wat Arun is a symbol of Thailand that’s seen it all.
From royal renovations and wartime battles to the rise of Bangkok as a capital city, Wat Arun has stood the test of time — all to meet this moment in history, where you, my friend, finally get to experience it.
Once you reach Tha Tien Pier, hop on the cross-river ferry — just 5 Baht per person.
When you arrive, you’ll pay a 100 Baht entry fee (~$2.75 USD).
This gives you access to:
- Freely explore the temple grounds
- Climb partway up the central prang
- Enjoy scenic riverfront views
You can also often rent traditional Thai costumes nearby for some fun photo ops.
(And if your partner says no… they don’t really love you.)
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And… Relax
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Thailand travel guide — and that it inspires you to take some fresh, fun approaches to exploring this iconic and historic part of Bangkok.
Rattanakosin Island is basically the ultimate bucket list zone for most tourists —
but don’t let that put you off.
Tick it off your list… then keep exploring.
If you’ve got some extra time to spare, I’ve added a few honourable mentions below that are worth checking out.
Rattanakosin Island: Honourable Mentions
- Wat Ratchanadda: Also known as The Metal Castle, this unique structure is the only one of its kind in Thailand.
- Mahakan Fort Park: A quiet little park near Han Fa Lilat Pier, bringing its own unique history, it’s a great spot to rest your feet.
- JEDI Café & Bar: Grab some coffee by the canal.
- Thanon Ram Buttri: Khaosan Road’s quieter cousin, this is an ideal lunch stop if you’re making the walk from Wat Saket to The Grand Palace — casual, tasty, and full of character.
- Phra Sumen Fort: Slightly out of the way — this peaceful green riverside space is perfect for winding down after a busy day of sightseeing.
- The Eagle’s Nest: Time it right and catch incredible sunset views over Wat Arun from across the river — totally worth it.
Watch this great video from Bangkok Pat for an insightful look into the history of Rattanakosin Island:
