Wat Suthat

Wat Suthat is a large monastery covering an area of 44,980 square metres that is located right at the heart of Bangkok. The construction began during the reign of King Rama I (1807 A.D.) and it took 27 years to complete. Phra Sisakayamuni image from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai was brought to reign over the temple, and the City of Bangkok for that matter.

Wat Suthat is a focal point for many interesting architectural, sculptural, and visual highlights reflective of Buddhist theme and philosophy.

Surrounding the Royal Temple is Phra Wihan Khot terrace which is really impressive with 156 Buddha statues, mostly in the seated meditative attitude called Smathi.

The chapel, Phra Ubosot at Wat Suthat is possibly the most beautiful in Thailand and is also the largest measuring 72.25 metres in length and 22.60 metres in width.

There are four pavilions (sala) within the compound that are elevated to the height of the temples walls. These are used for various royal functions and for viewing the previous functions at the Giant Swing in front of the temple.

The annual ceremony was held up until the 1930s but was discontinued to the high fatality rate as young men tried to swing high enough to grab a sack of gold on a pole about 25 metres in the air.

How to get there : Bus routes 12, 15, 42, 73, 96, 508
Open daily : 8.30 am. to 9.00 pm.
Admission-fee : Baht 20
Website : www.watsuthat.org

The Giant Swing in front of Wat Suthat. More click here..