Wat Suthat, Bangkok - The Giant Swing in Bangkok by Night
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Wat Suthat Bangkok

4.8
·9k reviews·, Thailand

A magnificent 19th-century royal temple in Bangkok, famed for its colossal red teak Giant Swing and intricate interior murals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning (8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Wat Suthat, Bangkok - The Giant Swing in Bangkok by Night

Wat Suthat Bangkok

Best Time

Early morning (8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent 19th-century royal temple in Bangkok, famed for its colossal red teak Giant Swing and intricate interior murals.

4.8
(9k reviews)

"Marvel at the iconic Giant Swing and the exquisite murals, a true masterpiece of Bangkok's artistic heritage."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Giant Swing

The Giant Swing is an iconic landmark. Get your photos from various angles, especially during golden hour.

🙏 Witness Evening Chants

Monks often chant around 6 PM. It's a serene experience and a unique cultural insight.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Giant Swing

The Giant Swing

In front of the temple

An iconic, massive red teak swing, once used in a Brahmin ceremony. A must-see photo op!

The Grand Chapel (Uboseot)

The Grand Chapel (Uboseot)

Main temple building

Home to an impressive 8-meter bronze Buddha statue, Phra Si Sakyamuni.

Rattanakosin Murals

Rattanakosin Murals

Interior walls of the Grand Chapel

Exquisite 19th-century murals depicting Buddhist tales and daily life. A true masterpiece.

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Bangkok's heat can be intense. Visit Wat Suthat early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak sun and larger tour groups. The temple is less crowded during these times, offering a more peaceful experience.

Dress Code & Respect

As a sacred site, dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered. This is a common courtesy in Thailand and ensures you can enter all areas of the temple without issue.

Best Times

When
Early morning (8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)
Why
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Why
Golden hour light, evening chants
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What we got up to in Bangkok! 1. Midnight TukTuk food tour A fun way to see the city and try Thai cuisines from different areas of Thailand. Tour ends at Eagle Nest Bar which has the best view of Wat ...
@nickybuhr
87.3K likes • 3M views

📸 Capture the Giant Swing

The Giant Swing is an iconic landmark. Get your photos from various angles, especially during golden hour.

🙏 Witness Evening Chants

Monks often chant around 6 PM. It's a serene experience and a unique cultural insight.

Monks and Buddhists pray in the evening with a rainy atmosphere in the royal temple, Wat Suthat, Bangkok. #jaysavidhan📘💙👑😘 #jaysavidhan📖✍🏻 #jaybhimstutes🙏💙🙏🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺 #jaymaharashtra #jaymahara...
rohit_.aaz
10.2K likes • 74.7K views
The mural paintings at Wat Suthat, regarded as a masterpiece of the Rattanakosin era, were created during the reign of King Rama III. These murals primarily depict Buddhist narratives, including the l...
nanuam.n
590 likes • 11.5K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on temple grounds. Comfortable footwear is a must.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bangkok can be very hot and humid. Carry water to stay refreshed.

𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑦 𝑜𝑓 “𝑷𝒉𝒓𝒂 𝑷𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒉𝒂 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒕” 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑙 𝐵𝑢𝑑𝑑ℎ𝑎 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙 (𝑢𝑏𝑜𝑠𝑜𝑡) 𝑜𝑓 𝑊𝑎𝑡 𝑆𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑚 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑦 𝑷𝒉𝒓𝒂 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒...
itthiphn
726 likes • 9.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Giant Swing

The Giant Swing is an iconic landmark. Get your photos from various angles, especially during golden hour.

🙏 Witness Evening Chants

Monks often chant around 6 PM. It's a serene experience and a unique cultural insight.

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on temple grounds. Comfortable footwear is a must.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bangkok can be very hot and humid. Carry water to stay refreshed.

What Travellers Say

4.8
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Wat Suthat is praised for its impressive scale, particularly the iconic Giant Swing and the stunning murals within the Grand Chapel. Visitors appreciate the spiritual atmosphere and the opportunity to witness evening chants. While it's a significant historical and artistic site, some find the surrounding area less polished than other major temples.

"This is the temple with the Giant Swing in front – a peaceful gem right in the heart of the city. Despite the heat outside, the moment you step into the ordination hall, it’s incredibly calm. The murals on the inner walls are absolutely beautiful, rich with detail and history. It’s the kind of place where you could sit quietly and meditate all day. The stillness inside contrasts so beautifully with the busy world outside."

em emmm

"A must-visit temple in Bangkok, rich in historical significance and adorned with beautiful Buddhist sculptures. The entrance fee is only 100 baht, yet the peaceful and inspiring experience is truly priceless. Located in the heart of the city with easy access and surrounded by famous street food stalls, it’s a perfect stop for anyone exploring Bangkok."

SK

"One of the most exquisite temples in Bangkok.
It’s not as crowded as other temples, which makes it feel peaceful when you walk in. The large Buddha statue in the main hall is truly breathtaking.
The artwork inside the building is also fabulous.
When you walk around the area, you’ll find many interesting things to see. Definitely worth a visit!"

Ploysai Jitthamma

What People Like

Iconic Giant Swing
Masterpiece murals
Serene Buddha statue

What People Dislike

Can be hot and humid
Surrounding area less polished

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wat Suthat is centrally located. You can take the MRT to Sanam Chai station and it's a short walk, or use a taxi/Grab. Many tuk-tuk tours also include it as a stop.TikTok

Yes, the MRT's Sanam Chai station is quite close, making it very accessible. Buses also serve the area frequently.

If you're visiting the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, it's a manageable walk, though it can be hot. Consider a short tuk-tuk ride if you prefer.

Approach from the Giant Swing for the most dramatic initial view. The temple's symmetry is also striking from the front.

Yes, it's often included in 'temple tours' alongside other major sites like Wat Pho and Wat Arun, especially those that include the Giant Swing.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main temple grounds and the Giant Swing area is generally free. However, there might be a small fee for specific buildings or exhibits within the complex.

Wat Suthat is typically open daily from around 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It's best to check current hours before your visit.

While the outer grounds are free, there's usually a small entrance fee (around 100 THB) to enter the Grand Chapel to see the main Buddha statue and murals.

The main temple buildings usually close by late afternoon. However, the area around the Giant Swing is accessible, and you might catch evening prayers.Reddit

Yes, evening chanting sessions are common, often starting around 6 PM.Reddit Special Buddhist holidays may also feature ceremonies.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Giant Swing, or Sao Ching Cha, was historically used in a Brahmin ceremony to celebrate the harvest. It's a striking symbol of Bangkok's cultural heritage.Instagram

The murals inside the Grand Chapel are considered masterpieces of the Rattanakosin era, depicting Buddhist narratives and scenes from daily life.Instagram+1

To fully appreciate the temple, the Giant Swing, and the murals, allocate at least 1-2 hours. You could spend longer if you're very interested in art and history.

Yes, evening chanting sessions are a highlight for many visitors, offering a peaceful and spiritual experience.Reddit

The central image is Phra Si Sakyamuni, an impressive 8-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Bangkok.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The Giant Swing from various angles, the intricate murals inside the Grand Chapel, and the serene Buddha statue are prime spots. The temple's symmetry is also great for shots.Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Grand Chapel, but be respectful and avoid using flash, especially when photographing the murals or the Buddha statue.

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light. The 'golden hour' before sunset can create beautiful, warm tones on the temple and the Giant Swing.

Drone usage is typically prohibited at temples and religious sites in Thailand. Always check local regulations before flying.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the Giant Swing and the temple architecture. A prime lens can be useful for detailed shots of the murals.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Culture Enthusiasts

For those keen on diving deep into Thai culture, Wat Suthat offers a rich tapestry of history, art, and spirituality. Explore the Giant Swing's historical significance and marvel at the Rattanakosin murals that tell ancient stories.Instagram+1 The temple's architecture and the Phra Si Sakyamuni Buddha statue provide insights into Buddhist traditions and the artistic achievements of the era. Consider visiting during evening chanting for an immersive spiritual experience.Reddit

Photographers

Wat Suthat is a photographer's delight. The Giant Swing provides a dramatic, iconic subject, especially during the golden hour.Instagram Inside the Grand Chapel, the intricate murals offer incredible detail and color, perfect for close-ups.Instagram The grand bronze Buddha statue is also a powerful subject. Remember to respect the sanctity of the site and avoid intrusive flash photography.

Budget Travelers

Wat Suthat is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Entry to the main temple grounds and the Giant Swing area is free, making it an accessible cultural experience.Instagram While there's a small fee for the Grand Chapel, it's very reasonable. You can easily spend a couple of hours here soaking in the atmosphere without spending much, making it a great value for experiencing Bangkok's heritage.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha)

Standing proudly in front of Wat Suthat, the Giant Swing is an iconic symbol of Bangkok. This colossal structure, made of red teak, was once the stage for a thrilling Brahmin ceremony. Young men would swing high into the air, attempting to grab a bag of gold from a platform with their teeth. While the ceremony is no longer performed, the swing remains a breathtaking sight and a popular spot for photos.Instagram Its sheer scale and vibrant red hue make it a standout landmark, offering a glimpse into Thailand's historical rituals and architectural prowess. Many visitors find it to be a unique and memorable part of their Bangkok temple experience.

Artistry of the Rattanakosin Murals

Step inside the Grand Chapel (Uboseot) of Wat Suthat, and you'll be transported by the stunning mural paintings that adorn its walls. Created during the reign of King Rama III, these artworks are considered a pinnacle of Rattanakosin-era art.Instagram+1 The murals vividly depict scenes from the Jataka tales, the previous lives of the Buddha, alongside intricate portrayals of daily life, celestial beings, and mythical creatures. The detail and artistry are remarkable, offering a visual narrative that complements the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Many visitors are captivated by the vibrant colors and the storytelling embedded within each panel, making it a highlight of any visit.

The Serene Phra Si Sakyamuni Buddha

The heart of Wat Suthat's Grand Chapel is the magnificent Phra Si Sakyamuni, an 8-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue. This imposing figure radiates a sense of peace and tranquility, drawing visitors into quiet contemplation.Instagram Cast during the Sukhothai period, it was later moved to Wat Suthat. The statue's serene expression and the sheer scale of its presence are awe-inspiring. It's a focal point for worshippers and a significant artistic and religious artifact, embodying the spiritual essence of the temple. Taking a moment to sit and absorb the atmosphere around this grand Buddha is a deeply rewarding experience.

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