Location
The district is bounded by the Chao Phraya river to the west, the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem in the north, and Ratchadamnoen road and Khlong Ong Ang to the east. The center of Bangkok, marked by the city pillar shrine (Lak Mueang), is located in the district. Also surrounding the large free space of the Sanam Luang are the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the National Museum in the former palace of the Vice King, and the main campus of the Thammasat University as well as the Silpakorn University. Also the temple Wat Mahathat is located there, though being one of the most important buddhistic temples in bangkok it is not really touristical attractive.
Other significant landmarks in the district include Wat Pho, the Giant Swing and Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchanadda (with Loha Prasat) and the Democracy Monument. Also the well-known Khaosan Road is located in the district. Another significant temple is Wat Bowonniwet, where several of the Thai kings had been ordained as monk.
Of the original 14 forts protecting Bangkok only two survive - Fort Phra Sumen in the northern corner of the district, and Fort Mahakan in the east of the district. Since 2000 a small park named Santichaiphrakarn around Fort Phra Sumen was built.
In 2005 the complete river front of the Phra Nakhon district - from the King Rama I Bridge (Memorial Bridge) in the south till the Wasukri Pier (Dusit district) - was submitted to the UNESCO for consideration as a future world heritage site.
Another landmark is Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre on Charoen Krung Road. It is Bangkok's oldest cinema and was the first air-conditioned theater in Thailand. Built on the order of King Prajadhipok and named by him, it was opened on July 2, 1933. It is the only theater from the first "golden age" of Thai cinema still standing. No longer regularly showing movies, the theater has been renovated and is principally used for Thai dance performances. Another point of interest is the Pak Khlong Talat flower market.
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