Bangkok began as a city of canals and elephant paths on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, just a few kilometres from the sea. The first of the new structures ordered by King Ramathibodi, later known as Rama I, was the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which was later surrounded by the grounds and buildings of the Grand Palace. It was built in the style of the Royal Temple of the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya.

Early Royal Bangkok The construction continued with the Grand Palace, begun in 1782 by Rama I. It has been added to over the years by a succession of Royal patrons and now contains are wide mixture of architectural styles.

The Oldest and Largest of the Bangkok Temples Wat Phra Jerupon - usually called Wat Po The original construction began in the 16th century, but the wat did not achieve real importance until the establishment of Bangkok as the capital of Thailand. Sometimes called 'Thailand's First University', it was regarded by the early kings as the primary source of public education. Original photographs courtesy Synaptic & Grey Matter Media, Whistler, Canada

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