Prepare to be dazzled by the wealth of cultural and architectural delights that await visitors here.

The greatest site in Bangkok and a definite 'must' on any itinerary is the Grand Palace and the surrounding monuments on Ko Ratanakosin (Ratanakosin Island). The main attraction at the palace itself - which is only used by the monarch on certain ceremonial occasions, his official residence in Bangkok being Dusit Palace - is Wat Phra Kaeo, the 'Temple of the Emerald Buddha'. This tiny but elegant Buddha image, made of jasper and only 75cm high, stands at the heart of the temple on a high pedestal encased in glass. Regarded as the Palladium of the Kingdom, it cannot be photographed and - perhaps partly because of this - it is surrounded by a palpable aura of mystery and respect.