an artificial island by the Chao Praya River, includes Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The sacred statue itself is housed in a richly decorated hall while the temple walls are covered with exquisite murals of the Ramakien, Thailand’s interpretation of the Ramayana. The Grand Palace, a curious blend of Italian Renaissance and Thai architecture, was designed by British architects in 1882. Visitors must be covered up.