Sao ChingCha
The tall red wooden structure located in the heart of Bangkok. It was rebuilt and renovated in 2006.
This landmark has a long and rich history. The Giant Swing was originally constructed in 1784 during the reign of King Rama I. It was used in a Brahmin ceremony called Triyampawai or the Swinging Ceremony. In this ritual, groups of three to four men would ride the swing and try to grab a bag of coins hung from a tall pole. The ceremony symbolized the Hindu-Brahmin New Year tradition and was practiced for many years. However, it was discontinued in 1935 due to safety concerns.
Today, the Giant Swing stands as a cultural symbol of Bangkok and is a popular photo spot for both Thai and international tourists. The surrounding area also offers many local restaurants, snack shops, and temples for visitors to explore.
📍How to go to Sao Ching Cha:
MRT
Take the MRT Blue Line and get off at Sam Yot Station. Use the exit no.4 and walk around 10 minutes.