Heritage walk of Rattanakosin Island, Exploring Bangkok’s Royal Legacy

Heritage walk of Rattanakosin Island

Exploring Bangkok’s Royal Legacy

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

The island of Rattanakosin has the Chao Phraya River on the west an on the other three side is the ring canal of Khalong Maha Nak. The canal was dug by Rama I (Reign 1782 – 1809) the founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom (Also see: Fortification of Bangkok).

Bird’s eye view of Rattanakosin Island from Golden Mount, Bangkok

Today Rattanakosin is the hub of built heritage in Bankok and also house the Grand Palace, the royal residence of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The canal measures 7.2 km and the island covers an area of 4.142 km², so the best way to explore the Rattanakosin Island is on foot. 

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Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, Thonburi, Bangkok

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn

Thonburi, Bangkok

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or simply Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most prominent landmark. It is located in the Thonburi region of Bangkok, which lies on the west bank of Chao Pharya River.

Approaching Wat Arun across the Chao Pharya River, Thonburi, Bangkok

Today the Buddhist Temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Aruna, with its distinctive prang (spire), dominates the Bangkok sky line. The temple dates back to the Ayuthaya Kingdom (1351 to 1767) but the prang (spire) was added during the reign of Rama II (reign 1809 – 24).