Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5
Wat Bowonniwet
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Home to the Buddhist Mahamakut University, this royally affiliated monastery is the na-
tional headquarters of the Thammayut sect of Thai Buddhism. The murals in the
bòht
are
noteworthy, and include Thai depictions of Western life during the early 19th century. The
temple may be in ultra-casual Banglamphu, but it's also where the present king was or-
men; admission free;
8.30am-5pm;
Tha Phra Athit (Banglamphu))
6
Phra Sumen Fort & Santichaiprakan Park
FORT, PARK
It's a tiny patch of greenery with a great river view and lots of evening action, including
comical communal aerobics classes. The riverside pathway heading southwards makes for
a serene promenade. The park's most prominent landmark is the blindingly white Phra Su-
men Fort, which was built in 1783 to defend the city against a river invasion.
(
ป้อมพระสุเมรุ
/
สวนสันติชัยปราการ
; Th Phra Athit; admission free;
5am-10pm; Tha Phra Athit
(Banglamphu))
Local Life
Pop & Lock
Most evenings the wide expanse in front of Bangkok's City Hall becomes a gathering place for young kids who
meet to practice their breakdancing moves.
7
Wat Ratchanatda
Built for Rama III (King Phranangklao; r 1824-51) in the 1840s, the design of this temple
is said to derive from metal temples built in India and Sri Lanka more than 2000 years
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
