Originally known as Bang Makok or “Village of Olives,” Bangkok has grown far beyond its humble beginnings to become the capital of Thailand and extend its influence well into Southeast Asia and Indochina. As a center for fashion, entertainment, and the arts, Bangkok is also an economic, political, and social force in the region. For business or pleasure, visitors will find the best Bangkok hotels, restaurants, clubs, and shopping offer all the modern conveniences with the traditional flavour of the city’s Chinese, Indian, and western heritage. This rich history is easily explored at the many cultural sites throughout the city, the most famous being the Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace was constructed by King Rama I the Great when the city was first established. The Palace is divided into three areas by function: the royal residences, the throne rooms, and the palace temple which is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Palace complex also includes Sanam Luang, a large open grounds or park-like area located by the Palace’s northern wall. While the Grand Palace is the official residence of Thailand’s Royal Family, it is mostly used for cermonial and protocol events. The current King (Rama IX) resides in Chitralada Palace (also in Bangkok) which is closed to tourists.

The major throne rooms in the Grand Palace include the Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat which was the first one constructed at the Palace. The Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Prasat served as a dressing area for processions and the king’s mounting platform. The Phra Thinang Phiman Rattaya was established as the king’s royal chamber in 1789. Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat is a reception hall for visiting monarchs and heads of state.

Wat Phra Kaeo can be found in the Palace compound’s northeast corner. It features the shrine for the Emerald Buddha. Completed in 1784, the Temple has been restored several times and features eight Prang towers as well as wonderful murals in the Phra Ubosot (ordination hall) as well as in the cloister.

Sana Luang is also known as Thung Phra Men. When the city was first established, the grounds were a large rice field. Today, the grounds are a major gathering place during Bangkok’s official celebrations, especially during the Birthday Celebrations of the King and Queen and the Thai New Year. In modern times, Sanam Luang has also been home to various demonstrations and rallies.

The City Pillar Shrine was erected in 1782 near Wat Phra Kaeo. In accordance with an old Thai tradition, the pillar holds the city’s horoscope. The original pillar was replaced by King Rama IV with a pillar ten times as tall and protected by a shrine to prevent the decay which had worn the original one. The shrine includes images of deities such as Chaopho Ho Klong, Thepharak, Phra Song Mueang, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Kan Chai Si, and Chaopho who protect the pillar.