Rattanakosin has Bangkok's principal tourist sights, but the surrounding districts offer plenty of activities, stores, restaurants and nightlife.
Wat Arun
at the other side of the river in Thonburi, is a stunning temple decorated with leftovers from broken Chinese ceramics. It is often visited together with Wat Pho, from where you can take the 3-baht ferry ride across the river.Don't throw away your entry ticket to the Grand Palace! Use it to get a free entry into the leafy Dusit Palace in Dusit valid for a week. Its prime sight is the Vimanmek Mansion, but you could spend your whole day there if you wish. The ride takes 15 minutes with bus 70 from Ratchadamnoen Klang Road near Democracy Monument.
Just across a small canal in Phahurat is Pak Khlong Talat, a surprisingly fun flower market. It is open 24 hours, but is best visited in the very early morning around 03:00, when new flower batches arrive and the market is beautifully illuminated.
