Democracy Monument
The building was erected in 1940 to commemorate the end of the absolute monarchy and the establishment of the constitutional monarchy in 1932. The monument was the site of student riots in 1973 and 1976 in particular. In 1992 protests against General Suchinda Kraprayoon’s regime resulted in several deaths. The monument is located between the Great Palace and the Dusit Palace and occupies a roundabout. The impressive four wings of the monument are each 24 meters high and symbolize June 24th: the day on which the new constitution was signed. See 800zipcodes for more about Thailand.
Krungthep Bridge
The bridge was opened to the public in 1959. It was the second bridge that crossed the Chao Phraya. With a length of 350.80 meters, it is monumental. The bridge can be opened to allow large ships to pass.
Puttayodfa (Memorial Bridge)
The Memorial Bridge was the first bridge between Bangkok and Thonburi. It still leads over the Chao-Phraya. It was built in 1932, on the 150th anniversary of the founding of Bangkok.
Rama VIII Bridge
The bridge spans the Chao Phraya River and was inaugurated and opened to traffic in May 2002.
Wats (temples) and other sacred buildings
Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
This Buddhist temple is part of the Royal Palace complex and contains the world-famous Emerald statue of the Buddha, the national shrine of Thailand. However, it was constructed from jade. Miraculous powers are ascribed to him. The official name of this temple located on Na Phralan Road is “Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram”. Built in 1782 on the orders of Ramas I, it forms a single treasure trove full of Thai art objects. More information is available at: bangkok.thailandtoday.com
Lak Muang (Shrine of the City
Pillar ) Located at the southeast corner of the Sanam Luang Field, this pillar is Bangkok’s national shrine. It is said to contain the foundation stone laid by King Rama I for the construction of Bangkok. The column should be able to fulfill wishes. Therefore, dancers can always be seen dancing for money to move the ghosts of the city to mild miracles. The dancers are paid by whoever hopes for the favor of the spirits.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun (also called Wat Dschaeng) is an imposing temple on the western bank of the Chao Phraya. He stands across from the Grand Palace. The 75 meter high pagoda, which is covered with porcelain tiles, is particularly striking. The wat was built in the Ayutthaya period.
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram (Marble Temple)
This wat is one of the younger temples in Bangkok and is located on Ayutthaya Road. The name is based on the use of white marble. Colorful glass windows and a collection of Buddha statues make it extremely worth seeing.
Wat Mahathat
The temple is on the edge of the Sanam Luang field. Today it houses the main Buddhist education center of the Mahanikai religious community.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho is probably the largest and oldest temple in the city. Officially, Wat Pho is called “Wat Phra Chetuphon” and is located in the historical part of Bangkok. Its gilded statue of the reclining Buddha, which measures 46 meters in length and 16 meters in height, is particularly striking. Traditional Thai massage is also available in the area around the Wats.
Wat Ratchanatdaram
The wat is located behind the Rama II. Memorial Park and impresses with its iron pagoda.
Wat Saket (Golden Mountain)
An 87-meter-high pagoda stands on an artificially raised hill. Its chedi are said to contain relics of the Buddha. The not very arduous climb is worth it, because the impressive view of historic Bangkok is wonderful.
Wat Suthat
Exquisite wall paintings (Vihara) can be seen in one of the largest temples in Bangkok (40 hectares), Wat Suthat; they date from the 19th century. There is a gigantic swing in front of the temple, which for a long time served Brahmanic rituals.
Wat Suwannaram
This Buddhist temple complex is located on the Chao Phraya and impresses with its imposing wall paintings.
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
The main attraction of the temple in Chinatown is the three-meter-high Buddha statue made of heavy gold.
Wat Indrawihan
This Buddhist temple is on Wisutkasat Road. The main attraction is the standing Buddha with its height of 32 meters.
Church of the Immaculate Conception
This church was founded in 1674 by Portuguese residents during the reign of King Narais. Archbishop Lano named it after the “Immaculate Conception” of Mary. The current shape dates back to 1847. In the immediate vicinity there is a smaller and older church known as “Wat Noi”. If you want to find out more about the Archdiocese of Bangkok: www.catholic.or.th