Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(cnr Th Sanam Chai & Th Lak Meuang; 6.30am-6.30pm; Tha Chang) Serving as the spiritual
keystone of Bangkok, Lak Meuang is a phallus-shaped wooden pillar erected by Rama I
during the founding of the new capital city in 1782. Part of an animistic tradition, the pil-
lar embodies the city's guardian spirit (Phra Sayam Thewathirat) and also lends a practical
purpose as a marker of the town's crossroads and measuring point for distances between
towns.
If you're lucky, a lá·kon gâa bon (commissioned dance) may be in progress. Brilliantly
costumed dancers measure out subtle movements as gratitude to the guardian spirit for
granting a worshipper's wish.
ART GALLERY
National Gallery
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
(ngbangkok.wordpress.com; 4 Th Chao Fa; admission 200B; 9am-4pm Wed-Sun; Tha Phra Athit
(Banglamphu)) Housed in a building that was the Royal Mint during the reign of Rama V, the
National Gallery's permanent exhibition is admittedly a rather dusty and dated affair. Sec-
ular art is a relatively new concept in Thailand and most of the country's best examples of
fine art reside in the temples for which they were created - much as historic Western art is
often found in European cathedrals. As such, most of the permanent collection here docu-
ments Thailand's homage to modern styles.
More interesting are the rotating exhibits held in the spacious rear galleries; take a look
at the posters out front to see what's on.
Banglamphu
Adjacent to Ko Ratanakosin, Banglamphu suffers from an extreme case of bipolar disor-
der, encompassing both the most characteristically old-school-Bangkok part of town as
well as Th Khao San, a brash, neon-lit decompression zone for international backpackers.
Depending on which one you fancy, it's not difficult to escape the other - another of
Banglamphu's charms. The bulk of Bangkok's classic buildings are found in this area, as
well as lots of authentic Bangkok-style cuisine and culture.
Although admittedly less grand than those of its neighbour, Banglamphu's sights are a
worthwhile window into the Bangkok of yesteryear - a city that's quickly disappearing.
Golden Mount
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
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