NEIGHBOURHOOD
SAO CHINGCHA - BAN BAT
NEIGHBOURHOOD
SAO CHINGCHA - BAN BAT
The Giant Swing, standing tall in front of the Brahmin Shrine and Wat Suthat, is not just a landmark of Bangkok due to its grandeur. Its location was designated as the "navel of the city," or the central point of Bangkok, since the founding of Rattanakosin.
It’s no surprise that Bangkok’s early prosperity began in this area. Bamrung Muang and Fueang Nakhon Roads were hubs of modernity, featuring Western-style department stores, Chinese business tycoons’ ventures, and shops catering to royal officials and noblemen, given their proximity to key ministries. Traces of this history remain, including stores selling uniforms, ranks, and insignias, as well as shops crafting Western-style shoes and vendors specializing in Buddhist ritual supplies, a result of the area's concentration of temples, religious sites, and its location near the "Ghost Gate" (Pratu Phi) — the route once used to carry the deceased to Wat Saket for cremation outside the city.
Traces of this history remain, including stores selling uniforms, ranks, and insignias, as well as shops crafting Western-style shoes
Every street and alley in this area is rich with history, and its vintage architecture lends it a unique charm. But it’s undeniable that one of the main reasons we frequently visit the Giant Swing is the irresistible allure of the lively eateries. These establishments, with their authentic flavors, continue to delight us time and time again!
