One way to discover the marvels of Bangkok without getting so tired, is
by having a leisure walk to visit a group of attractions which are near
each other.
Rattanakosin Island is the area around Sanam Luang, the most well-known
open ground in front of the Grand Palace, which is surrounded by water and
houses the Grand Palace, several famous temples and important government
buildings.
Thammasat University
National Museum
The first place to visit is the National Museum on the West side
of Sanam Luang, which is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Next
to the museum is one of Thailand's most famous universities, Thammasat
University.Walking through the campus, you will reach Tha Phrachan Road.
Then turn onto the nearby Maharat Road, on the left of which is Mahathat
Temple, where the Buddhist Meditation Centre is located.
Silpakorn University
Grand Palace
Next to the temple is Silpakorn University, the country's centre
of fine arts study. Turning left onto Na Phra Lan Road, you will reach a
must-visit place for every visitor to Thailand. It is the Grand Palace
and the
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo) where you can catch
a glimpse of Thailand's traditional arts and splendid architecture. To the
left of the front gate of Wat Phra Kaeo, you will find Tha Chang (tha =
pier) where you can take a ferry to Wat Rakhang, a famous old temple
with traditional architecture. Next to Tha Chang is Tha Ratchaworadit, a
royal pier containing a Thai-style pavilion exclusively used for royal ceremonies.
Wat Arun
Walk on a few hundred metres you will see another pier - Tha Tian, from
which you may take a ferry to Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn.
This renowned temple is attractive in its striking pagoda decorated with
multicoloured porcelain fragments.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho
Opposite the rows of shophouses around Tha Tian is Wat Pho or
Wat Phra Chetuphon, another famous temple in the area. In addition to
a large number of pagodas, the temple also houses a huge reclining Buddha.
On the opposite side of Sanamchai Road, the road beside Wat Pho, is Saranrom
Garden where you can take a break under shady trees. Then continue your
walk along this road, you will pass the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
the Ministry of Defence which is marked by some old cannons displayed
in front of the building.
City Pillar Shrine
Inside the City Pillar Shrine
Going a little way farther, before arriving back at Sanam Luang, you will
see the City Pillar Shrine with the roof in the form of a pagoda.
Here is where a lot of people come to worship the city's guardian deity.
The route of this walking tour programme is completed here. Map:
Rattanakosin Island Top
Walking Tour of the Royal
Avenue and its Surrounding Attractions
This tour starts near Sanam Luang Ground in front of the Royal Hotel at
the northern end of Atsadang Road, which is parallel to Khlong Lot Canal
dug up to mark the boundary of the capital area in the reign of King Rama
I (1782-1809). Walking along Atsadang Road until you reach the second cross-roads,
then turn left onto Bamrung Muang Road. On the left there is a short narrow
path leading to Phraeng Phuthon Community consisting of rows of 2-storey
shophouses painted in green and cream and built in the reign of King Rama
V (1868-1910).
Wat Suthat
Going further on Bamrung Muang Road for a few hundred metres after crossing
Sao Chingcha Intersection, you will catch the sight of the Giant Swing.
This giant swing was used in the past in an annual Brahmanic ceremony. However,
the old red swing aged 45 years was already removed. The replacement of
the brand-new one, comprising the four well-selected logs of the golden
teak, was just completed in December 2006. Wat Suthat behind the
giant swing is attractive for its large cast bronze presiding Buddha and
the splendid carved door leaves which are replicas of the masterpiece of
King Rama II (1809-1824), who was an all-round artist. The original ones
are now kept in the National Museum.
Democracy Monument
From Wat Suthat continue northwards along Din So Road you will find Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration on your right hand side. At the end of this
short road is Ratchadamnoen Avenue or the Royal Avenue, on which the Democracy
Monument is located. Then walk further to the right and you'll see a
beautiful pavilion newly built for receiving guests of state, and the nearby
Statue of King Rama III (1824-1851). Behind the pavilion is the unique
Loha Prasat (Metal Castle) Pagoda. The pagoda is in the shape of
a square with 3 storeys and 36 small pagodas along the edges of the floors
and one at the centre of the top floor. Despite its name, there is no metal
part in the whole structure except the lightning rods fixed to the pagoda
tops. Presently, it is the only one of its kind left in the world. (The
two other formerly built in India and Sri Lanka were already in ruins.)
It is part of Wat Ratchanatda, a beautiful temple which was built
by King Rama III.
Wat Thepthidaram
Then go out of the temple through its gate on Mahachai Road, turn right
and walk a few steps to another temple, Wat Thepthidaram, which was
constructed in the same reign. The influence of China is reflected through
the designs and decorations of porcelain and Chinese stone statues. Walking
back to Ratchadamnoen Avenue, at the corner where Mahachai Road and the
avenue meet is Mahakan Fort with a short section of the old city
wall. Both were built by King Rama I. The fort was among the 14 erected
to guard the capital.
Phukhao Thong (Golden Mount)
After crossing Phan Fa Bridge just outside the fort, you will see at a short
distance away on your right, a resplendent and magnificent golden pagoda
on top of a mount called Phukhao Thong (Golden Mount). It is located
in the compound of Wat Saket. Built by King Rama IV, this gilded
chedi houses a Buddha relic from India. The golden chedi can be reached
by a 318-step spiral stairway. While on top, you'll have a wide view of
the older part of Bangkok. Map:
Rattanakosin Island Top
Walking Tour of the Marble
Temple and Dusit Zoo
Marble Temple or Wat Benchamabophit
Near the northern end of Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue where it meets Si Ayutthaya
Road, we begin our walking tour of several nearby spots related to King
Chulalongkorn or Rama V (1868-1910), who contributed immensely to the well-being
of the Thai nation. From the starting point facing the Equestrian Statue
of King Rama V, turn right onto Si Ayutthaya Road and walk straight a little,
you will find on your right hand side the Marble Temple or Wat Benchamabophit,
built by King Rama V in 1899.
The prime attraction of the place is the main temple (bot) built
of white Carara Italian marble. Enshrined in the building is the presiding
Buddha image, Phra Phutthachinnarat. It is a bronze replica of the
original statue of the Sukhothai period (1238-1438) which is enshrined in
Wat Mahathat in Phitsanulok province in the North. There are several other
things of great interest to tourists, e.g. Buddha statues in different postures
and styles and small beautiful buildings in the compound.
After admiring the elegance of the temple, walk back to the starting point
and go across the Phitsanulok Road. In front of you now is the Equestrian
Statue with a magnificent dome building Ananta Samakom Hall on
the background, both of which were constructed during the reign of King
Rama V. While the former was built with donations by ordinary people, the
latter was erected of marble by the King to receive state guests and conduct
meetings about state affairs. It once served as the site of the National
Assembly. Presently, it is used for royal and important state ceremonies.
Ananta Samakom Hall
On the west of the Ananta Samakom Hall is Ambara Garden(Suan
Amporn) with a large compound. It provides a location for fairs and
graduation ceremonies. Take Uthong Road on the east of the Equestrian Statue.
A short way ahead on your left is the Parliament Building, in front
of which is a statue of King Rama VII (1925-1935) who granted Thailand's
first modern constitution in 1932.
Vimanmek Mansion
On the opposite side of the road is Dusit Zoo in shady and pleasant
surroundings. After a long walk under the glaring sun, you can relax yourself
here, ride a boat and enjoy watching a great variety of animals. Actually,
there is another famous attraction located nearby - Vimanmek Mansion,
a palace of King Rama V turned museum. However, since it offers a large
number of priceless antiques and splendid architectural styles for exploring,
you are recommended to spend a whole day there instead of including it in
the above itinerary. Map
: Bangkok Metropolis Area A
Top
Walking
Tour in Chinatown
Besides the above three famous routes, there is another new appealing walking
route for foreign visitors, especially those who are interested in Chinese
lifestyles and shopping -- that is Chinatown. Click A
Walking Tour in Chinatown for details.
For your personal safety and protection
by law, please use the services of travel agencies holding a TAT license
only.
