Bangkok Old City Attractions

Baan Bat

Literally translated as ‘house of monk’s alm bowl’, Bann Bat is perhaps the last existing place in Bangkok that still hammers out – by hand – the brass bowl that Buddhist monks carry with them during the morning alms round. The Baan Bat community (or Monk’s Bowl Making Village) has been producing monk’s alm bowls since the late 18th Century, but today less than five households continue to make a living selling their craft.

Tucked away in a narrow backstreet just south of Wat Saket (The Golden Mount Temple), it looks no different from any other backstreets of Bangkok, where the same old, non-descriptive buildings fail to give any hints to what’s hidden down the alley. But step inside and look very closely – you will notice stacks of unfinished brass bowls lying about and constant banging noise echoing through the air.

Democracy Monument

Circled by perpetual swarms of traffic, the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road is a large Western-style symbol of Thailand's adoption of democracy and liberty. Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram commissioned it to commemorate the June 1932 military coup that led to the country's first democratic constitution in place of absolute rule. He intended the monument to be the equivalent of the Arc de Triomphe, its European style a symbol of a newly invigorated Bangkok complete with similar Western freedoms.

Like most monuments built in a spirit of self-congratulation, however, it came to resemble propaganda more then a celebration of a remarkable democratic awakening. By the time it was built in 1939, the regime had turned autocratic, factions in the regime leading to what was in effect a military dictatorship. Since then, however, it has gained a legitimacy it once lacked, pro-democracy demonstrators using it as a rallying point in 1973, 1976 and 1992.

Designed by Italian-born Thai citizen Corrado Feroci (who later adopted the Thai name Silpha Bhirasi), it's rich with symbolism relating to the constitution's birth date of June 24, 1932.  In its centre is a pedestal, inside of which is a copy of the original 1932 constitution.

The four surrounding wing-like structures are 24 metres high to represent the date the constitution was signed, and each one symbolises one of the four branches of the Thai armed forces that guard it. Bas relief sculptures at the base of the monument depict the armed forces both as champions of democracy and as the personification of the Thai people.

National Gallery

Housed in a former Royal Mint built during the reign of King Rama V, the National Gallery displays work by Thai artists from the 17th Century onwards. Inherited by the Department of Fine Arts in 1974, it includes permanent exhibitions of works by King Rama VI and H.M. King Bhumibhol Adulyadej, traditional murals from early periods in the capital's history, and pioneering Thai modern art.

Particularly evident is the influence of Western schools of art, like impressionism and cubism, on recent Thai artists. There is also an area featuring temporary exhibitions of art from home and abroad, everything from painting and sculptures to prints and installations. Read More...

Queen's Gallery

The Queen's Gallery opened in 2003 in response to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's initiative to create a permanent public space to exhibit and promote the works of both established and up-and-coming Thai artists. Set in a five-storey building, the gallery covers 3,700 square metres of minimalist space to showcase permanent as well as changing exhibitions.

Sanam Luang

 Situated at the heart of old Rattanakosin city, Sanam Luang (the Royal Field) has been in existence since the founding of Bangkok (around 200 years ago).The area was also known as 'Thung Pra Meru' (Royal Cremation Ground), because it was originally used for royal cremations up until the reign of King Rama III, when the king decreed that all cremations be held outside the old city walls.

Surrounded by famous attractions such as the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum, National Gallery, the Supreme Court, and Ministry of Defense, Sanam Luang is a gathering ground for various activities throughout the year. Take part in the kite flying festival around March and see a plethora of colours in different shapes and sizes floating in the sky. Alternatively, have a family picnic in breezy late afternoon while watching an exciting game of sepak takraw (Asian football).

You can also feed the pigeons, or even have your fortune told! The Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May marks the start of the new planting season. It's when the royal oxen are brought out to plough the field, and to provide an omen for the coming plantation.

As the year draws to an end, people congregate at Sanam Luang to celebrate the King's birthday on December 5, Constitution Day on December 10, and to usher in the New Year. Once in four years when the national elections come around, Sanam Luang is also where intense and vociferous political campaigning takes place.

Silpa Bhirasri Memorial & Museum

Many who've lived in Bangkok their whole lives don't know who Silpa Bhirasri is. Without exception though, they've seen his work. He was an Italian-born sculptor who first came to Thailand in 1923 to work for the Department of Fine Arts. Today he's regarded as the father of modern art in Thailand, his work on show in public places throughout the city. Many iconic and impressive landmarks and monuments were cast by his able hands, and some of his best-known works include the Democracy Monument and statues of King Taksin, King Rama I and King Rama VI.

This memorial and museum at Silapakorn University is located in the building he not only lived, worked and taught in, but also designed. It maintains the original atmosphere, with paintings and sculptures as well as implements used on show. Works of several of his pupils are also displayed, including famous painters Fua Haripitak, Khien Yimsiri and Saway Tantisuk.

Toot Yung Gallery

A French man’s vision, this uplifting gallery-slash-meeting space promotes the works of aspiring local artists as well as introducing foreign artists and designers to the Bangkok art scene. Working with partner spaces both here and abroad, Toot Yung Gallery showcases contemporary art across all media platforms, whether objects, performing art, live music, or mixed media. It intends to create a multicultural space where artists, writers and musicians meet, and is accessible and open to anyone with artistic talent.