Historical Places
City Pillar Shrine
The holy shrine is at the southeast corner of Sanam Luang. The Thais trust that the City Pillar symbolizes the founding of a community. The City Pillar of Bangkok was first built on 21 April 1782. Later by the royal order of King Rama IV the old City Pillar was substituted with a new one. So there are now two pillars standing together in the shrine. The shrine was renovated to mark the 200^th anniversary of Bangkok in 1982. A shrine for the city’s guardian spirits was also constructed next to it. The City Pillar is made of laburnum wood and embellished with heartwood: 108 inches of it are above ground and 79 inches buried in the soil. The top of the pillar is adorned with shellac and gold leaf and has a pointed tip. Inside is the birth certificate of the city. This shrine is a showcase of Brahmanism preceding Buddhism.

Erawan Shrine
Expediently positioned in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel at Ratchaprasong district, the extremely venerated shrine was completed in 1956. Tourists really appreciate the significance this omnipotent holy being brings to the district. It is believed that Lord Brahma is able to foresee and protect over the mortal and immortal worlds with his four faces that represent all four directions. The shrine has drawn thousands of people annually because Lord Brahma has the super talent to accomplish wishes for his faithful worshippers. Thanks to its strategic location near assorted shopping and entertainment centers, the shrine has become a must-see destination in Bangkok. A number of worshippers come to implore the Brahma statue to grant their wishes or simply to relish the exotic sights, sounds and settings.

Giant Swing
Locally called Sao Ching Cha, the Giant Swing is a religious icon set in front of Wat Suthat. It was used in an old Brahmin ceremony and is now amongst Bangkok’s tourist attractions. King Rama I commanded it built in front of the Devasthan in the center of the city. It was moved to its present location in the reign of King Rama V. Historically speaking, the Ceremony of Tri-Yampawai or the Swing Ceremony was one of the 12 royal ceremonies held in each of the months of the Thai lunar calendar in the Sukhothai Kingdom. Originally held in the first lunar month, it was changed to the second lunar month in the early Rattanakosin period at the beginning of the 19^th century. The ceremony was a Brahmin new year’s ceremony and lasted for 10 days. At the present time, its ceremony may still be held with royal support.

Phra Sumen Fort
Constructed in the reign of King Rama I, this is the largest existing fort of all 14 to protect Bangkok which now only two survive in Banglamphu Sub-District. The other is Mahakan Fort. Entrance is free for all whilst prohibited areas are the fort itself (octagon shaped buildings with wall surrounding) and the Thai-style pavilion which is for royal ceremonies. Since 2000 a park named Suan Santichaiprakarn around Phra Sumen Fort was built for the general public. The park provides a superb view of the Chao Phraya River. You can visit there for uncovering a laidback atmosphere, watching the sunset over the river, admiring the scenic scene of the RAMA VIII Bridge as well as taking a look at some activities of visitors. All around the area along Phra Athit Road is lined with many nice and cozy restaurants.

Democracy Monument
This monument in the center of Ratchadamnoen Road was built to memorialize the peaceful changeover from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy on 24 June 1932. It was designed by Mew Aphaiwong, an architect whose brother Khuang Aphaiwong was a leading member of Phibun regime. The Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci, who was a Thai citizen and used the Thai name Silpa Bhirasri, executed the relief sculptures around the base of the monument. The building of the monument was highly unpopular at the time. Local residents were evicted from their homes with 60 days notice. The expanding of Ratchadamnoen Road to create a ceremonial boulevard involved cutting down hundreds of shade trees, a big matter in the days before air conditioning, inducing Bangkok’s hot climate.