This is the central district of Bangkok, including the Rattanakosin Island. The districts nearby are Dusit, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Samphanthawong, and across the Chao Phraya River: Thonburi, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok Noi and Bang Phlat. The district is sub divided into 12 sub districts Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Wang Burapha Phirom, Wat Ratchabophit, Samran Rat, San Chaopho, Suea Sao Chingcha, Bowon Niwet, Talat Yot, Chana Songkhram, Ban Phan Thom, Bang Khun Phrom, Wat Sam Phraya. Rattanakosin also known as Rattanakosin Island, is the historic centre of Bangkok, where most of Bangkok's must see sights can be found, including the City Pillar Shrine, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of the Interior, the renowned Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Wat Ratchanadda ( The Loha Prasat ) or Wat Ratchanaddaram,and the Royal Pavilion Mahajetsadabadin, Maha Chai Rd. This is the most visited area in Bangkok due to all the historic and splendid Temples and buildings found here. Rattanakosin was established in 1782 when King Rama I moved the Siamese capital across the river from Thonburi, starting a period in Thai history known as the Rattanakosin Period. Spending a few days in this ancient part of Bangkok, does not do it justice. There are so many traditional Buddhist temples, palaces, museums, parks and monuments, which also gives you a better understanding of the culture, history and religion of the Thai people. Bangkok was originally moated and walled with forts at intervals along it ( built in 1783 during the reign of King Rama I ). A canal formed the moat dug at a distance of about two kilometres from the Royal Palace, leaving the river to the north of the city and rejoining it to the south. The moat was 7.2 kilometres long, and it is today called Klong Bang Lamphu and Khlong Ong Ang. Strong and solid walls were constructed along the inner side of this canal, being 3.6 metres high and 2.7 metres thick. It was broken by 16 gates and 14 forts ( Phra Sumen, Yukornton, Mahaprab, Mahakan, Mootaluog, Seurtayan, Mahachai, Charkphet, Phisua, Mahaluok, Mahayak, Phrachun, Phra-Ar-thit, and Isintorn ). Now only two forts are remaining along the former wall: Fort Mahakan and Fort Phra Sumen. Mahakan Fort was elevated to a National Ancient Monument of Thailand by the Fine Arts Department in 1949. The government wanted to turn the area between the canal and the city wall into a park, but were met with resistance from the community that stay on that land. Now the authorities are looking into turning it into a living museum of vintage houses. I guess thinking it being the fairer method to appease the people living there. Festivals here are very well attended due to the popularity of the area. Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year, is celebrated throughout the country during 13th to 15th April of each year. Khao San Road ( or Khao Sarn Road ) inside Phra Nakhon district is one notable place to celebrate the event where many people, both locals and tourists, come to splash water everywhere. Another famous festival, Loi or Loy Krathong, takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which is Thailand's version of the lunar solar Buddhist calendar. The Chao Phraya river bank in the district, with numerous piers and Phra Sumen fort, is a popular place to come to float lanterns in the water. Ratchadamnoen Road is often heavily decorated with lights around the King's birthday ( 5th December ) and the Queen's birthday ( 12th August ) and other major anniversaries. Sanam Luang and recently created Lan Plabpla Maha Chedsada Bodin in front of Wat Ratchanadda and its Loha Prasat are open spaces that are frequently used to celebrate various events. King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke founded the city as the capital of his new Rattanakosin Kingdom in 1782. Before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand, the capital city previously was Thonburi. The old city straddled the Chao Phraya, but was mainly settled on the western bank where the royal palace and other institutions were situated. When Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke established himself as king, he re-established the capital on the eastern bank, relocating the settlers to an area around Wat Sam Pluem and Wat Sampheng ( this area is now Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown ) Fortifications were ordered to be rebuilt, and canals extended to form moats around the fortified city. The inner moat, created by connecting Rong Mai Canal and Talat Canal, is now known as Khlong Khu Mueang Doem .

• published: 11 Feb 2014
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