The first luxury hotel in Thailand, the Oriental – as it was originally known – was established shortly after the signing of the Bowring Treaty, a free-trade agreement between Britain and Thailand, to house the increasing number of British traders and seamen coming to the kingdom.
DetailsThe Portuguese were the first Europeans to make Thailand their home in large numbers and consequently the Portuguese Embassy was the first foreign mission in the capital.
DetailsIn the 1900’s Thailand’s economy was developing rapidly and a commercial banking system became necessary to deal with the surge in domestic and international trade.
DetailsThis is the first major bridge over the Chao Phraya River and was opened on 6 April 1932 by King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Chakri Dynasty and the foundation of Bangkok.
DetailsThe white-walled fort of Vichai Prasit was built in 1688 as part of a defence line of forts to prevent ships from sailing up the river to the then Siamese capital of Ayutthaya.
DetailsSiriraj Hospital is recognised as the first hospital in Thailand and dates back to 1888. It is the medical facility where student Thai doctors studying at Mahidol University are still trained today.
DetailsThonburi station was the terminus of the southern line on Thailand’s national rail network from 1903 to 1999. It has a rich wartime history as Japanese troops used it as a strategic base during the Second World War.
DetailsThe second oldest university in the country, Thammasat was founded in 1934 as the University of Moral Science and Politics. It was specifically created with the goal of making education available to all Thais.
DetailsTravelling from north to south along the river the first landmark attraction boat passengers will see is the Rama XIII Bridge. This is a showpiece of modern architecture in Bangkok and it is named after King Ananda – the eighth king of the Chakri Dynasty – who died in 1946.
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