city: Bangkok

Bangkok Phra Nakhon Walking Tour with Wat Suthan

Discovering Bangkok's temples and history is just one part of this walking tour. You'll see unexplored corners of the city and delve right into local culture as you navigate Wat Saket, Wat Suthat and the ‘Giant Swing'. Prasit, one of our local guides, says, ‘The 37 golden spires of Loha Prasat represent the 37 requisites of enlightenment. These are stages in Buddhist teachings that must be achieved before attaining enlightenment.'Kick off at the temple of Wat Ratchanatdaram, best known for Loha Prasat, one of the few bronze-roofed palaces in the world. Then you'll visit the Golden Mount, just a short walk away, where you'll find Wat Saket. Climb the 344 steps up the golden chedi for views over old Bangkok. Prasit adds, ‘Wat Saket is an important landmark that sits on the only hill in Bangkok, and it holds great significance for all followers of The Lord Buddha. The stairs are long but they take you up to the top for panoramic views of Rattanakosin Island.'Then, it's on to the Giant Swing – or Sao Ching Cha – and Wat Suthat, one of the most important temples from the Rattanakosin era. Prasit says, ‘Wat Suthat is my favourite temple. It stands out because the interior is richly decorated with murals of Thai life and faith. In the centre, above statues of praying monks, sits a giant golden Buddha.' After our visit, we'll have a coffee break before pressing on to San Chao Pho Suea, the ‘Tiger God Shrine'. And lastly, we'll walk to Ratchadamnoen Klang Road to end the tour.