RATTANAKOSIN - ROYAL BANGKOK

When Bangkok became the national capital in the 18th century, the monarchy began to construct ornate palaces and temples in the inner city to reflect its royal connections

The heart of Bangkok is the royal centre, Rattanakosin, an artificial island with most of the principal royal and religious buildings of the city.

Rattanakosin, literally meaning 'resting place of the Emerald Buddha', became the capital of the kingdom when King Rama I ascended the throne in 1782 and decided to shift the seat of royal power from the Thonburi Palace on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River to the opposite side for strategic reasons.

Search for the Chao Phraya River on the left-hand side of any map of Bangkok. To its right is Khlong Koo Muang Derm, more widely known as Klong Lawd, the city's inner moat.

The canal runs north from Pak Khlong Talad market to Phra Pin Klao Bridge. It defines the boundary of Rattanakosin Island, or the 'inner city'. Any exploration of Bangkok should begin here.