Exploring Bangkok's Old Town: Temples, Museums and Hidden Gems

It is not unusual for visitors, whether Thai or from overseas, to head to the Grand Palace for a taste of Thai culture and history. Yet, Bangkok’s Old Town has much more to offer as I have discovered over the years.

The Grand Palace

Bangkok’s Old Town

Bangkok’s Old Town, also known as Rattanakosin Island, is the historic heart of the city. Founded in 1782, it sits beside the Chao Phraya River. Thailand’s most famous royal palaces and ancient temples are located there, along with busy backpacker streets, historic markets, and amazing street food.

It is one of the few parts of Bangkok where centuries-old temples stand alongside modern museums, bustling markets and riverside walkways.

Grand Palace

Like any first-time visitor spending any time in Bangkok, I wanted to visit the Grand Palace. My mate Steve took me down there and introduced me to that part of town, with a highlight being a tour along the canals.

Visiting the grand site has changed over the years. If my memory serves me correctly, back in 2004, it was far more challenging to find the right entrance and buy a ticket. The whole area outside on Na Phra Lan Road has been tidied up, with clear signage and an underground area making things much easier.

An old wheeze, which many fell for, was being approached by someone who announced the palace was closed for the day, but they could take you somewhere similar. It was a con. The palace was open, but in the confusion, tourists would jump into a tuk-tuk and be taken to a shop where sales talk tried to get them to buy something, which those who’d got them there would earn commission on.

Wat Pho

My advice is simple: Only speak to people wearing official uniforms and only buy from the official ticket office. Everything is quick and efficient. Do remember that shorts are not permitted and arms must be covered. Otherwise, and I speak through experience, you must buy clothing items if you want to go in.

I was once given the task of taking some cricket friends on a visit, which we did by boat along the Chao Phraya and alighting at Tha Chang Pier, something I recommend. They were dressed inappropriately, and we were soon in taxis heading back to the tourist zones.

Since moving to Thailand, I have visited the palace a couple of times, with relatives from the UK as well as my Thai family. Farangs paid 500 THB (£11); Thais were free of charge. That said, once inside, you can take as long as you want, and it is a fantastic attraction, and includes transport to a nearby theatre to watch a show about Thai history and culture.

The Golden Mount and City at Night

Across the road from the palace is Sanam Luang, a huge open field and public square. It was used for the funeral of King Rama IX. To the south of the palace is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, thankfully shortened to Wat Pho. 

Again, there is an admission charge. Inside are numerous temples, courtyards and artefacts to explore, including the famous Reclining Buddha, built during the reign of King Rama III from brick and plaster before being covered in gold leaf.

All along Sanam Chai Road are palaces, ministry buildings and statues. It really is the Bangkok version of Whitehall and its surrounding area in London. It’s possible to take photos and get a real feel for Thailand’s culture and history without spending a penny, with Saranrom Park providing lots of beautiful greenery to relax in.

Museums

Bangkok is blessed with several quality museums, including two of my favourites in the old town. Museum Siam is a discovery museum located next to Sanam Chai MRT underground station. It has an admission charge, which comes with earphones in multiple languages. 

I’ve had great fun on the couple of occasions I’ve visited with friends and family, with all ages being able to get involved with the interactive exhibits, learning about the national identity and history of the people of Thailand, and their relationships with neighbouring cultures.

National Museum Bangkok again requires an admission fee. It features many collections in its range of buildings, with Thai history being covered. The standout to me is the Cremation Chariot Hall, which houses various Thai royal funeral chariots used for royal cremation ceremonies. 

Museum Siam

Days Out Discovering

Perhaps the best way to discover the area is to arrive along the Saen Seap Canal boat from the tourist areas of Sukhumvit to Panfa Leelard Pier. It is cheap, cuts out traffic and gives an insight into how people live along the khlong.

When I arrived to live in Minburi, Steve and I would catch that boat from Bangkapi and discover the area, making some videos as we went, long before I decided to upgrade my YouTube channel. 

While the Golden Mount is officially just over the canal from the old town, it is well worth the climb up the 334 steps to the top after paying the 100 THB fee. The view is magnificent, as is the décor inside the temple, as you’d expect.

Opposite is Ratchadamnoen Avenue, sometimes described as Bangkok’s equivalent to the Mall in London. It eventually leads to the Chitralada Villa Royal Residence, and has several buildings of significance, including the Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium, the original home of the sport.

Be Careful When Filming

While there are many photogenic buildings to admire, photograph and video, it is important to follow the rules. Ask if you’re allowed if you’re not sure, which is something my pal and I should have done on one occasion.

That was when we saw what looked like an attractive, wide-open space at the top of the Avenue that caught our attention. We went to what I later discovered was the Bureau of the Royal Household. We took photos and videos of the Equestrian Statue of King Chulalongkorn and the buildings, smiling and exchanging greetings as we went.

It was therefore a surprise for a minibus to pull up alongside us, and policemen to get out. They wanted to know what we were doing and to see our ID. They were extremely serious, although always polite. That said, I was extremely concerned after checking that our phones had deleted any videos when they lined up for a photo with us.

I’d seen such shots on TV and in newspapers in the past of foreigners who had committed crimes and were about to be charged and deported. Thankfully, we were OK to go, certainly shaken by the ordeal. My tip. Always ask permission if you’re not sure!

Democracy Momument

Ratchadamnoen Klang Road

A walk I have enjoyed on many occasions is towards the palace along Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. This has some fantastic historic temples and buildings along it, starting with the Royal Pavilion Mahajetsadabadin and Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan.

The buildings on the left, when walking away from the Mount, used to include the offices of the Thai Lottery, where winners would claim their prize. Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall and Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre now occupy them. 

On my last visit in November 2025, the wide road and many buildings were in a state of flux, as a new rail line was being built underground, making access to the area even easier. The Democracy Monument in the centre of the roundabout, built to commemorate the 1932 Siamese coup d'etat, still looked magnificent, if a little harder to photograph.

The Giant Swing

At the roundabout, if you turn left down Dinso Road, it leads to the Giant Swing, a 21.15 m-tall, swing-shaped religious structure and prominent landmark. It has been modernised since the days when every December, until 1935, men would swing to try and grab a bag of gold. It remains an impressive sight and reminder of the extraordinary ceremonies once held there.

The Giant Swing

Khao San & Ram Buttri

Further along past Democracy Monument is the 14th of October 1973 Memorial, opened in honour of those who fought for democracy in the uprising and lost their lives. I found my visit there very moving.

On a brighter note, on the opposite side of the road is Thanon Tanao, which leads to Khao San Road and Thanon Ram Buttri, which runs parallel to it. I have visited Khao San many times over the years, without staying too long. It’s the spiritual home of backpackers and is loud as revellers enjoy the bar scene.

Ram Buttri, I discovered through friends’ recommendations. It has its own fair share of bars and restaurants, only at a slower pace without as much noise. It is in two parts, split by Chakrabongse Road, which is also a lively thoroughfare.

The other section of Ram Buttri has an abundance of gift shops, bars, restaurants, street food and performers. We stayed there when my UK family visited and thought it was wonderful. Continuing to its end, it’s possible to cut through to Phra Athit Road, ideal for catching a river boat, enjoying the atmosphere and looking at Phra Sumen Fortress and its riverside park.

Ram Buttri at Night

In Conclusion

Whether you're visiting Bangkok for the first time or returning after many years, the Old Town remains one of the city's most rewarding areas to explore. It combines history, culture, museums, temples, markets and excellent food, all within walking distance of one another.
Please check admission prices and clothing regulations before setting out!

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