When King Rama I ascended the throne as the first ruler of the Chakri dynasty in 1782, he decided to establish Bangkok as the new capital of the Kingdom. Because only a few years before that, in 1767, the Burmese had completely destroyed the old capital of Ayutthaya, the King had a number of fortifications built and canals dug out to protect Bangkok. Mahakan Fort was one of 14 forts of which only two remain today, the other one being Phra Sumen fort (located next to the Chao Phraya River, near Khao San Road).

The Loha Prasat or ‘Metal Castle’ is a very unique structure. It has 37 black metal spires symbolising the 37 virtues that are required to reach enlightenment. The 36 metre high Metal Castle consists of three levels, the bottom one has 24 spires, the middle one 12 and the top level has one spire, totaling 37 spires. Only two other similar structures have existed in the world, in India and in Sri Lanka. Neither of these exists today. The total duration includes walking time from the Golden Mount to Wat Ratchanatdaram.

We walk pass the Democracy Monument which was erected on in 1939, seven years after the 1932 Siamese Revolution, to commemorate the political event that changed the face of Siam (the former name of Thailand). The Democracy Monument has been the site of several large political protests in the past.

A short stop is made at the Giant Swing (‘Sao Chingcha’). It is a tall teak structure that once supported a giant seat used during Brahman festivals to honour the god Shiva. During the festivities, participants would swing in arcs in an effort to reach a bag of gold suspended from a bamboo pole, an act that was believed to encourage a good harvest. There were so many injuries and even accidental deaths that the ceremonies were discontinued for good by the end of the 1930s. The total duration includes walking time from Wat Ratchanatdaram to Sao Chingcha.

Although located close to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Wat Ratchabophit is not often visited by foreign tourists. And that’s a shame, because it certainly is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. The temple is built in 1869 and features a mix of Thai and Gothic styles and beautiful porcelain decoration. The temple grounds also houses a royal cemetery with monuments holding the remains of both major and minor Thai royalty. The total duration includes walking time from Sao Chingcha to Wat Ratchabophit.

We pass the beautiful historic building which nowadays houses the Ministry of Defence and the former Saranrom Palace.

We do not enter the Grand Palace, but pass by and get a glimpse from the outer walls.

We do not enter the Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), but pass by only.

Pak Khlong Talat is a colourful and vibrant wholesale market that is open 7 days per week, 24 hours a day. The area originally started as a floating market in the early 18th century. Later, in the 19th century, the area became a large fish market. In the 1950s it eventually developed into the current Bangkok Flower Market. When you walk around here, you constantly have to step aside for mopeds, men with baskets and hand carts full of flowers. Many of these flowers go to temples and vendors are busy making small sacrificial flower wreaths. It is never quiet here and the market is always on the move. After a stroll on the flower market your guide will say goodbye and you can further explore Chinatown by yourself or travel back to your hotel by MRT or taxi/tuk-tuk. The total duration includes walking time from Wat Ratchabophit to Pak Khlong Talat.