The Giant Swing or Sao Chingcha is a red arch, a religious structure in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand. It is located in front of the famous and oldest temple of Wat Suthat. It was used in Brahman ceremony. This ceremony is also known as Triyampavai-Tripavaiin in which participants swing to get a bag of gold that is suspended at a 15m-high bamboo pole. It is one of the most attracted sites for tourists. King Rama 1 constructed the Giant Swing in 1784. However, this swing ceremony was discontinued in the reign of Rama II due to the structural damage by lighting. The Giant Swing’s two towering red pillars are standing at 21.15 meters between Bangkok City Hall and Wat Suthat. The original Giant Swing went under many renovations and was replaced in 2004 crafted with golden teak. Numerous parties of civil engineers to the Forestry Department to Brahmin priests were involved in the new construction of swing. The construction of new swing involved complex processing of paint coating and undercoating by artisans masters and hand-carving technique. Many historical spots surround this historical swing. There are many historical buildings and spots around the Giant Swing or Sao Chingcha, Wat Suthat, Devasthan and LanKonMueng are one of them.
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is one of the impressive and oldest temples of Bangkok impressively famous because of Giant Swing. This famous temple is the foremost destination of the tourists after visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. It was built by King Rama I and was completed in the reign of King Rama III. Along the outer walls, there are 156 Buddha images in the cloistered courtyard, which is surrounding the main chapel. The four entry gates are hand-carved with intricate details. The western painting technique is used in detailing Buddha’s previous 24 incarnations on the wall, which is inside the main chapel. Tourists are attracted to this building because of its marvelous architecture. Therefore, if you are a lover of architecture then you probably do not want to miss this piece of art.
? Opening Hours: 8.30 – 21.00 Everyday
? Entrance Fee: Foreigner 20 THB/Person
? Attire: Please dress modestly.
Devasathan
One of the most important religious and ancient place for Brahmin-Hindu in Thailand is devasthan shrine near Wat Suthat in front of Giant Swing. It was built in the King Rama I’s reign in 1784. Tourists should not miss this place in order to see three important sanctuaries in one place. Shiva sanctuary, Narayana sanctuary, and Ganesha sanctuary are three important sanctuaries of Devasathan Shrine.
LanKonMueng
LanKonMueng is located in front of the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority Building at the heart of the quarter. This place is sometimes used for holding celebrations and parking lot underneath. Do not miss this place and walk by it if you are coming to Giant Swing.
Tuk Tuk Ride
A Tuk Tuk is essentially a rickshaw having a small engine fitted in. There are so many traveling cars like BTS, MRT, and other colorful cars are available but the Bangkok Tuk Tuk Tour is more of an experience rather than traveling on another transport. A Bangkok Tuk Tuk Tour is ideal for short trips. Sometimes, a Tuk Tuk ride is cheaper than the cab traveling toward the same destination. If you are a tourist then do not miss this ride and avail the experience of Bangkok Tuk Tuk Tour with Bangkok old town’s atmosphere with original Thai vehicle.