Bangkok city panorama

RATTANAKOSIN TOUR MAP CENTRAL BANGKOK

Tourist guide of Rattanakosin District in Bangkok City for your next vacation to Thailand.

This tour map of the Rattanakosin district in Bangkok shows one of the most popular tourist areas in Bangkok City. This is the central Bangkok tourist map with all of the top tourist locations. Attractions to see are the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun on the other side of the river, Wat Suthat and Giant Swing. A bit further is Wat Saket and Golden Mount Temple which is a "must see".

To get here, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station and then walk the very short distance to Central Pier (Sathorn). The cheap tourist boat from Central Pier takes you to Tha Tien boat pier.

Getting around by walking would be the ideal way to see most attractions, many are located close to each other. Because this is a very popular tourist area, ignore any strangers approaching you and saying that particular attractions are closed and to take a cheap Tuk Tuk tour elsewhere. If you want to take a Tuk Tuk, for example, from the Grand Palace to the Golden Mount temple then a ride should only cost about 200 Baht.

Things to do in Rattanakosin Central Bangkok District: A guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Temples and Cultural Sites

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew is the most famous landmark in Bangkok, built in 1782 and serving as the official residence of the Kings of Siam for over 150 years. Within its walls lies Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred religious artifact.

The temple is known for its intricate architecture, gold-leaf decorations, and a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur.

To get there, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier, then walk about 5 minutes up Na Phra Lan Road to the main entrance. Alternatively, exit at Sanam Chai Station on the MRT Blue Line and walk for about 10 minutes.

Buses 1, 25, and 44 serve the area. Locate the entrance under See and Do on the above map at number 1.

See the Grand Palace tour map for all the attractions.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Pho Bangkok

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s largest and oldest temples, renowned for its massive 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha, which is covered in gold leaf. The temple is also considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and you can enjoy a relaxing massage after exploring the site. Wat Pho’s stunning architecture, peaceful courtyards, and serene atmosphere make it a cultural treasure.

The address is, 2 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. The easiest way to get there is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien Pier and walk south down Maha Rat Road, then left into Chetuphon Road to the main entrance.

You can also take the Blue Line MRT to Sanam Chai Station , from which it’s a 5-minute walk. Buses 1, 3, and 12 pass through the area. Locate the entrance under the See and Do on the map above at number 2.

See Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho).

Wat Saket

Wat Saket is commonly known as The Golden Mount. This peaceful temple is perched on an artificial hill and offers one of the best panoramic views of Bangkok. Climbing its 300 steps is an amazing experience. You are rewarded at the top by the sight of the gleaming golden chedi which contains a relic of the Buddha.

Wat Saket is also famous for hosting the annual Loy Krathong festival. The address is 344 Chakkraphatdi Phong Road, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok. To get there, exit at Sam Yot Station and take a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride (around 10 minutes). Buses 8, 15, and 47 stop near the temple.

Locate this temple under the See and Do on the map above at number 7.

Wat Saket
Wat Ratchanatdaram

Wat Ratchanatdaram

Wat Ratchanatdaram is known for its stunning Loha Prasat, or Metal Castle, a multi-tiered structure with 37 metal spires representing the 37 virtues needed to attain enlightenment in Buddhism.

This architectural marvel is unique not only in Thailand but globally, as only a few such structures exist. The temple is often less crowded than others, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

The address is Maha Chai Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. To get there, Sam Yot MRT Station is the nearest , a 10-minute walk to the temple. Buses 2, 15, and 56 stop nearby. Locate the temple under the See and Do on the map above at number 5.

Wat Suthat

Wat Suthat is one of Bangkok’s most impressive temples, known for its enormous bronze Buddha statue and exquisite wall murals. Just outside the temple stands the Giant Swing, a towering red structure once used in Brahmin religious ceremonies.

The temple’s peaceful courtyards and beautiful architecture make it a great place for meditation and reflection. The address is Bamrung Muang Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. To get there, exit Sam Yot MRT Station and take a 15-minute walk. Buses 12, 35, and 42 stop near Wat Suthat.

Locate the temple and Giant Swing under the See and Do on the map above at number 8.

Wat Suthat
The National Museum Bangkok
Index Librorum Permissorum, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National Museum Bangkok

The National Museum Bangkok is the largest museum in Southeast Asia and offers an extensive collection of Thai art and history, from prehistoric times to modern Thailand.

The museum complex includes beautiful historic buildings, each showcasing different aspects of Thai culture, including royal regalia, traditional musical instruments, and religious artifacts. The address is Na Phra That Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.

Sanam Chai Station is the nearest MRT station to the museum, around a 15-minute walk. Buses 3, 6, and 32 stop near the National Museum. Locate the museum under the See and Do on the map above at number 15.

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, originally built during the Ayutthaya period. It is known as a center for Buddhist meditation and is home to the Vipassana Meditation Center.

The temple is also a place for Buddhist monks to study and practice, making it a hub of religious and academic activity in the city. Visitors can join meditation sessions to experience spiritual calm.

To get there, exit the MRT station at Sanam Chai. It's about a 15-minute walk to the temple. Alternatively take a Chao Phraya Boat to the Tha Maharaj Pier and walk east to the temple. Buses 32, 53, and 524 stop nearby. Locate this temple under the See and Do on the map above at number 34.

Markets and Malls

Tha Maharaj Mall

Tha Maharaj Mall

Tha Maharaj Mall is a trendy riverside shopping and lifestyle center that blends local culture with modernity. Located right along the Chao Phraya River, it’s the perfect place to relax after visiting the nearby Grand Palace or Wat Pho. The mall is known for its boutique stores, offering locally designed fashion, art, and crafts, as well as a variety of cafes and restaurants with stunning river views. This mall is open daily 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The address is 1/11 Trok Mahathat, Maharaj Road, Phrankorn District, Bangkok.

The easiest way to get there is to take the Chao Phraya Tourist Hop-on Hop-off Boat (Blue Flag) and get off at Tha Maharaj Pier. Several buses, including lines 32, 53, 124, 201, 203, Por-or 32, Por-or 524 stop at the nearby Maharaj Road. Locate The Mahharaj Pier on the above map near number 1 in the Buy section.

Amulet Market

Amulet Market is a bustling outdoor market that stretches along the streets near Wat Mahathat, one of Bangkok's oldest temples. Amulet Market offers a fascinating insight into Thailand’s rich spiritual traditions and is famous for its vast collection of sacred amulets, charms, and talismans. To get there, take the Chao Phraya Tourist Hop-on Hop-off Boat (Blue Flag) to Tha Maharaj Pier. It’s a 10 minute walk north to the Amulet Market along the road leading to Wat Mahathat. Open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, and is best to visit on weekends when there are more traders. Locate on the map above under Buy, number 1.

Phra Chan Market Bangkok

Phra Chan Market

Phra Chan Market , also known as the "Market of the Moon," is one of Bangkok’s lesser-known gems. Situated along the Chao Phraya River, this market has been a center for amulet trading and spiritual relics for decades.

This market is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike who come to browse its fascinating selection of items. If you're interested in Thai spiritual culture, rare antiques, or simply want to experience a slice of authentic Bangkok street life.

To get there, take the Chao Phraya Tourist Hop-on Hop-off Boat (Blue Flag) to Tha Maharaj Pier and walk 15-20 minutes up Tha Suphan alley, north to Phra Chan Alley.

Alternatively, take any boat going to Prannok Pier and a ferry boat over to Tha Phra Chan pier where the Amulet Market is located a minute up Phra Chan alley. Locate on the map above under Buy, number 9.