Wat Suthat is famous because of the Giant Swing that is located on its entrance. It is the most impressive and oldest known temples in Bangkok. Major attractions of Wat Suthat includes the elegant chapel with the attractive sweeping floor and amazing murals and do not forget the hand-carved teakwood door panels.
Wat Suthat Bangkok
Wat Suthat has been attracting people for many years because of the Giant Swing and the attractive interior. Near the Great palace, it is one of Bangkok's must-visit attraction. The cloistered courtyard of Wat Suthat is surrounded by the main chapel which has 156 images of Buddha posted on the outer walls, and there are 4 different gates for entrance. The gates of Wat Suthat have been carved with hand and have beautiful details. There are 24 incarnations of Buddha which have been posted on the walls of the Wat Suthat. Western painting techniques have been used to make Wat Suthat look unique and attractive. The outer walls have been lined with Chinese stone sculptured with the eight-tier hexagonal pagodas which people believe that were shipped as ballast.
The Giant Swing at Wat Suthat
The biggest attraction of Wat Suthat is the great swing which is 21.15 meters high and lies between the Bangkok city hall and Wat Suthat. There are two red pillars of the Giant Swing which are attached to the cross bars. The swing was constructed in 1784, and after that, it has undergone various renovations and was newly constructed in 2004 with the golden teak. The reconstruction of the swing was a tough task, and a team of Civil engineers and experts worked on the swing to maintain its beauty. From hand carvings to paint undercoating, everything was professionally managed. In the past, people used to celebrate the Brahmin thanksgiving using the swings. Men had to move from one side of the swing to another and tried to catch the bag of silver coins using their teeth. They have to stay at least 24 meters high at that time. However, this activity led to several injuries and deaths due to which this ceremony was discontinued in 1932. However, the swing of Wat Suthat still attracts many tourists and worshippers.
History
From 1782 to 1809, King Rama I supervised the construction of Wat Suthat in order to preserve the Buddha image from the 13th century that is known as a bronze image. The pictures were transported through a boat from Sukhotai, and the Wat Suthat was completed in the time of King Rama III from 1824 to 1851.
Useful Informations
Entrance fee: 20 Thai Baht.
Opening hours: 08:30-21:00 daily
Wat Suthat dress code: There is no need to follow any special dress code, but it is better that you wear an appropriate dress while visiting Wat Suthat. There is a sign available for the outfits which are prohibited in Wat Suthat. You are not allowed to wear short tops, sleeveless shirts, short pants and more. It is better that you respect the dress code and wear slip-on shoes for your convenience. Location & how to get there: Famous Wat Suthat is located in Thanon Bamrung Muang which is in the old city. The Wat Suthat has located 1 Km towards East of Grand Palace. There is NRT stations or BTS skytrains that you can use. It is better that you take a tuk-tuk or metered taxi to reach Wat Suthat.