City guide · กรุงเทพฯ Bangkok
Bangkok
Two royal capitals on the Chao Phraya: Wat Arun in Thonburi and the Grand Palace on Rattanakosin
Bangkok's Thai name is Krung Thep, 'City of Angels'. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun on the opposite bank face each other across the Chao Phraya, a few minutes apart by ferry; beyond the old city is another Bangkok of malls, night markets and street food.
History
How the city came to be
Bangkok began as a small trading post on the Chao Phraya in the 15th-century Ayutthaya era. When Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767, King Taksin built his capital at Thonburi on the west bank. In 1782 Rama I came to the throne and moved the capital to Rattanakosin Island on the east bank, founding the Chakri dynasty; the City Pillar raised on 21 April that year marks Bangkok's founding as capital. In 1906 King Chulalongkorn created the Bangkok administrative area, and in 1972 Phra Nakhon on the east bank and Thonburi on the west merged into today's Bangkok Metropolis.
- 15th centuryA small riverside trading post in the Ayutthaya era
- 1767Ayutthaya fell; King Taksin built his capital at Thonburi
- 1782Rama I moved the capital to the east bank and raised the City Pillar on 21 April
- 1785The Emerald Buddha moved from Thonburi to Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace
- 1906King Chulalongkorn created the Bangkok administrative area
- 1972Bangkok and Thonburi merged into the Bangkok Metropolis
Stories
Stories of the city
History · Grand Palace
Rama I's new capital and palace
On 6 May 1782 the newly crowned Rama I ordered the Grand Palace built and moved the capital from Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya to Bangkok on the east bank. A Chinese community lived on the site, and the king ordered them to move south of the city walls, to today's Bangkok Chinatown. Since 1782 the Grand Palace has been the official residence of the kings of Siam (Thailand).
History · Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
King Taksin arrived at dawn
In 1767 Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese army, and the royal capital of more than four centuries was reduced to ruins. The general Taksin, whose father was Teochew Chinese, broke out, rebuilt the army, drove out the Burmese and then founded a new capital at Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya. Legend says he came down the river and reached this temple at dawn, so he renamed it the 'Temple of Dawn' and vowed to restore it. In the Thonburi period the Emerald Buddha was enshrined here. In 1782 Taksin was overthrown in a coup and executed; Rama I moved the capital to the east bank, and in 1785 the Emerald Buddha was moved into the Grand Palace.
Must see
Places you shouldn’t miss
Grand Palace
The glittering palace of the Chakri dynasty, a sacred place in Thai hearts
Wat Pho
A 46-m golden Reclining Buddha, and the birthplace of Thai massage
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
A towering prang on the west bank of the Chao Phraya: King Taksin arrived here at dawn, giving the 'Temple of Dawn' its name.
Local life
Food and local daily life
Before you go
Rules to know in Bangkok
Drones must be registered in Thailand
- Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
- Bringing in an unregistered drone
Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
- Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices
Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Never insult the Thai royal family
- Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
- Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included
The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Temples and the Grand Palace: cover shoulders and knees
- Wear sleeved tops and long trousers or skirts below the knee
- Take off your shoes before entering a hall
- When seated, don't point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image
- Entering in a vest, shorts or see-through clothes
- Covering a sleeveless top only with a shawl may not be accepted at the Grand Palace
You will be refused entry and will need to rent or buy a sarong at the gate.
Not yet verifiedSource: Grand Palace dress code and visiting rules (travel guide)