Famous historical sites in Bangkok - Let your inner historian out!

Rattanakosin Island is an interesting choice for most visitors because of its surroundings. It is a portion of Bangkok situated on the east side of the river known as the Chao Phraya River. As mentioned in history, it includes both the 'Inner Rattanakosin' as well as the 'Middle Rattanakosin'. To the east side of the Rattanakosin Island, you will find the waterway popularly known as the Lod Canal. In 1982 however, the Lod Canal was renamed to Asadang Canal. It was constructed during the reign of King Taksin the Great, during when the Capital of Sian was situated on the west side of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi. One popular point of interest within this island is the temple complex known as Wat Pho, which is widely known for its reclining Buddha.

An attraction that could be considered the most popular on this list that draws in tourists from all over the world is The Grand Palace of Bangkok which includes the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The complex was built in the year 1782 and is also the royal residence. The area also contains a plethora of galleries that depict the paintings of the scenes from the Thai version of the Indian epic of Ramayana, also called the Ramakien. If you're on the lookout for 5 Star Hotels in Bangkok to check back into at the end of the day there are many places to be found, such as Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok.

Built between 1897 and 1901 influenced heavily by European style this compound of royal residences is called Dusit Palace. King Rama V initially named it Dusit Garden before it was renamed to Dusit Palace later by King Rama VI. Within this compound is Vimanmek Mansion, which is the world's largest wooden mansion, was built utilizing golden teak wood. Inclusive of its throne room, bedrooms and bathrooms, Vimanmek Mansion contains a total of 31 exhibition rooms. It is a must-see for anyone interested in King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) as it offers an insight into his times. The king was well known for abolishing slavery within Thailand.

When the Burmese invaders destroyed Ayutthaya City in 1767, out of the rubbles raised a new city named Bangkok. The invaders destroyed both the city and its inhabitants of whom there were over a million. And some of those people who didn't manage to escape were taken back to Burma as slaves. The Siamese people were known for their strength and bravery as the new leaders that rose from them were military men. For strategic military reasons, Bangkok was then named the capital of Siam. What can be witnessed today in the remains of the fortifications made from 1768 are some that reflected modern warfare such as the removal of moats and narrow walls to keep elephants at bay.

Another historic and beloved attraction is The Royal Elephant Museum. It was once an elephant stable used by the kings, the rare white elephants being a symbol. History shows the use of elephants in warfare, and that is where this museum showcases its importance. From the Vietnamese destroying the Mongol Invaders to the Siamese Tai waging war against the Burmese and Khmer Empires with elephants, visitors can learn about its unique history and significant importance in great detail.