| Map
: Rattanakosin Island
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 and
Giant Swing |
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
or 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. |
