I used to steer clear of this area when in Bangkok. It was hard to get into by taxi or public transport and even harder to get out of without being ripped off by taxidrivers with their nonsense "meter broken, traffic very bad, three times the normal price for you my foreign friend" but the extension of the MRT Blue Line past Hua Lamphong to the new stations at Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot & Sanam Chai has made the area more accessible. It is the focus of the old city established early in the eponymous era and attractions are to be found here. It's better to pick a specific destination rather than wander around the island. It's easier to reach the temples, museums and points of interest here now with the new MRT stations.

Rattanakosin Island is the name given to the historic section of Bangkok. It is the part of Phra Nakhon district that is encircled by the Chao Phraya River and varios canals. These canals were created to act as a moat to fortify the city centre. after the fall of Ayutthaya, Initially the capital was established in Thonburi. Then in 1782 King Rama I made the capital of his Rattanakosin Kingdom here. The first structure that was built in this section was the City Pillar Shrine. After that the Grand Palace, the Thai traditional Buddhist temples, other palaces and monuments were built here. The area is beautifully planned around the Sanam Luang park. There are many interesting museums and parades of artistic shophouses in this island. I love the old world feel of this area.