Wat Suthat Thepwararam – often shortened to simply ‘Wat Suthat’, is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bangkok, and is known for the famous Giant Swing located just outside the temple gates.
With The Giant Swing being one of the most famous landmarks in Thailand, and Wat Suthat known as the highest-ranking Royal Temple in Bangkok, a visit to both of them is a great addition to your Bangkok itinerary. Here’s all you need to know before you visit!
Where Is Wat Suthat Located?
Wat Suthat is located in the heart of Bangkok in the old city district of Rattanakosin, close to many famous temples. You’ll find it halfway between Wat Saket and The Grand Palace.
It is easy to get toWat Suthat by tuk-tuk or grab taxi, or alternatively you can get the MRT here (get off at SAM Yot Station), and then walk 10 minutes from the MRT station to get to the temple.
Here is the Google Maps location of Wat Suthat.
Opening Times & Entrance Fees To Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 THB.
History Of Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat was built in 1847 and has significant historical and cultural importance in Thailand.
It was built to house the 800 year old Phra Sri Sakayamuni Buddha statue, a 25 ft tall statue which was brought from the ancient Thai kingdom of Sukhothai. Many Thai people make pilgrimages to come and worship the Buddha statue here.
What To See At Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is so impressive, with many beautiful corners to admire and get great photographs. There are several parts of the temple grounds to explore when you are here:
Viharn (Main Hall)
The Viharn houses the Phra Sri Sakayamuni Buddha and is known for its stunning murals – some of the most impressive in the whole of Thailand! These murals narrate the previous lives of the Buddha. Underneath the Buddha lie the cremated remains of King Rama XIII.
Photography is allowed inside the temple hall, but be respectful as many people who are here will be paying their respects.
You will need to take your shoes off to enter inside the Main Hall.
Outer Corridor Of Buddha Statues
The outer corridor around the Viharn is lined with 156 Buddha statues – many of them gold but also some ebony Buddhas. They are beautiful and the corridors makes for a really peaceful place to walk around – as well as the ideal spot to walk in the shade if the sun is too much!
Ubosot (Ordination Hall)
The ordination hall (where the monks get ordained) is equally impressive with its murals and serene atmosphere. It is used for various religious ceremonies and is the longest Ordination Hall in Thailand.
Wat Suthat Temple’s architecture is unique, incorporating Chinese pagodas and stone carvings. At over ten acres, this is one of the largest temples in Bangkok, so make sure to stroll around and enjoy the grounds!
The Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha)
The bright red Giant Swing stands in front of the entrance to Wat Suthat at a busy intersection and is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks.
It is a huge Hindu religious structure at 21 metres high, made of teak wood that was constructed in 1784.
It was originally used in an annual harvest festival called the Triyampawai ceremony, celebrated by the Tamil Hindus in Bangkok, which was meant to thank Lord Shiva – the Hindu deity, for a good rice harvest.
Participants would swing to try and grab a bag of gold coins that was attached to a pole. They would try to grab the bag of gold coins with their teeth!
This became a tradition for many years. However, the dangerous nature of the activity led to several fatal accidents, and so understandably it was discontinued in 1935.
The rituals were banned, but the swing remained. And for this reason, you will notice that it is just the frame for the swing here now, and no actual swing.
Tips for Visiting Wat Suthat
Dress Code
As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress respectfully. For both men and women, shoulders and knees should be covered.
What Time To Visit
An early morning visit is best to avoid the crowds and heat and get the best photographs. That being said, I was here around midday and it wasn’t crowded – there were a few people here, mostly locals, and it was very peaceful.
Guided Tours
Wat Suthat doesn’t provide guided tours. However, if you wish to see Wat Suthat as part of a guided tour, which is ideal if you only have a limited amount of time in Bangkok as you get to see a lot in a short amount of time, then check out these tours below:
Other Places To Visit Nearby To Wat Suthat
Wat Ratchanatdaram, known as Bangkok’s ‘Metal Castle’, and The Golden Mount (Wat Saket) are two very impressive temples close-by to Wat Suthat that are definitely worth a visit.
The legendary Khao San Road is also just a short ride away (or 30 minute walk if you can bear the heat!), as well as Wat Benchamabophit, The Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Summary
Wat Suthat Thepwararam and the Giant Swing are must-visit sites for anyone visiting Bangkok, whether it’s their first time or tenth time! Have you been? Let me know if so!
Catrina McGrail is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Sydney, Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.
