Dusit: Bangkok

In contrast to crowded residential neighborhoods and the clusters of high-rises in the more commercial zones like Pathumwan, Dusit offers the grandeur of boulevards, palaces, and finer architecture. The Royal Passage (Thanon Ratchadamnoen) emulates Parisian boulevards and becomes festive during birthdays of royalty.

Temples just outside of Koh Rattanakosin lie in Dusit as does the landmark known as the Giant Swing. Memorials here, such as Democracy Monument and 14 October Monument, commemorate victims of troubled times in Thailand's past.

Other attractions include the Dusit Zoo, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Vimanmek Mansion (the world's largest golden teak building), and Wat Benchamabophit, the "marble temple," one of Bangkok's most beautiful. Dusit's plazas and parks make it a common location for major festivals and events surrounding the Royal Family. And if you don't get an opportunity to see King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in public, a bronze statue of the revered monarch on horseback overlooks Royal Plaza in front of the old National Assembly building.

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