The Giant Swing (Thai: เสาชิงช้า, RTGS: Sao Chingcha, pronounced [sǎw t͡ɕʰīŋ.t͡ɕʰáː] pronunciation ) is a religious structure in Sao Chingcha Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. Located in front of Wat Suthat, it was formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's tourist attractions.
The Giant Swing was constructed in 1784 in front of the Devasathan shrine by King Rama I. During the reign of Rama II the swing ceremony was discontinued as the swing had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920 it was renovated and moved to its current location in order to make space for a gas plant. The ceremony was again performed until 1935, when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents.
Very nice work of architecture and and especially enjoyable around sunset time. Strongly recommend taking a better camera than mine and spending more time here to afford seeing all that this place has to offer. The Walk was especially enjoyable as the scorching sun was setting, but definitely worth it even under the midday sun. Make sure to have some snacks of the animals lying around especially cats, you can take amazing photos.
Moe GhanimFeb 6, 2018
This was a nice temple in a line of nice temples. The doors were really cool! It is named for the giant swing out front, which was under some sort of construction when we got there. This was a lovely stop, but it was not on my personal top 5 list.
Jessica FlorestaFeb 4, 2018
At time I visited here (March of 2018), the area is under renovation, you are not allowed to go nearby the swing, only can see it across the road. Not much special here, but the swing is beautiful during the sunset, and good for photos
Brett KwongMar 4, 2018
Great place. The very popular mont nom sod near this place is a must ..
Aasutosh KarkiMar 3, 2018
One of The most famous landmark of Bangkok. Good place for taking photos and studying ancient bangkok history.
Hongchow ChenFeb 12, 2018
Visiting here and this place is the most-remembered religious structures The Giant Swing, the world's most legendary one of its kind, which sets surrounded by Wat Suthat, Bangkok City Hall and The Brahman Temple. We spent 10mins here taking photo and proceed with another place which is correction museum since nothing much to see. Just walking distance.
Mohd Hairil Mohamad TahirApr 20, 2018
Under whelming. Absolutely could have been a drive by. Its also in the middle of a big intersection and so you can't even get close to it.
Heather ColeMar 30, 2018
Trying to get a taxi driver or Tuk Tuk driver to stop and park here to take photos of this Giant Swing is not easy. There are usually many police near by ready to book them. However one day, I managed to get a Tuk Tuk driver to pretend he had broken down and I managed to get some photos of this Monument. The Giant Swing is a religious structure in the Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, located in front of Wat Suthat temple. It was formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's main tourist attractions. The Giant Swing was constructed in 1784 in front of the Devasathan shrine by King Rama I. During the reign of Rama II the ceremonial swing was discontinued as a swing because it had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920 it was renovated and moved to its current location. The ceremony was again performed until 1935, when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents connected with the ceremonies performed using this swing. The last renovations were done in 1959, and after 45 years of exposure to the elements the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious neglect. A major reconstruction began in April 2005. Six teak tree trunks were used. The two used for the main structure of the swing are over 3.5 metres in circumference and over 30 metres in height. The remaining four are used for support and are 2.30 metres in circumference and 20 metres in height. The swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished in December of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in September 2007. The timbers of the original swing are preserved in the National Museum at 4, Na Phra That, Bangkok, Phra Nakhon 10200, Thailand. It is the the largest museum in Southeast Asia featuring exhibits of Thai art and history. In 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was suggested as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, commonly shortened to Wat Suthat, is an important temple in Thailand. Inside the Grand Hall you will find its principle Buddha image, Phra Sri Sagaya Munee, which was acquired from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai. Wat Suthat was built by King Rama 1 in the centre of his capital but it was completed in the reign of Rama 3. Many people often make pilgrimages to worship the Buddha especially on holy days such as Visakha Bucha Day, Magha Bucha Day etc. According to an ancient Hindu epic, after Brahma created the world he sent Shiva ( meaning the Auspicious One and is a popular Hindu deity. Shiva is regarded as one of the primary forms of God. ) to look after it. When Shiva descended to the earth, Naga serpents wrapped around the mountains in order to keep the earth in place. After Shiva found the earth solid, the Nagas moved to the seas in celebration. The Swing Ceremony was a re-enactment of this. The pillars of the Giant Swing represented the mountains, while the circular base of the swing represented the earth and the seas. For centuries, the Giant Swing played a central role in annual swing ceremonies that symbolically re-enacted elements of Hindu origin stories. In Hindu mythology Brahma tested the stability of the newly created world by ordering Shiva to stand on a mountain while giant snakes tried to shake him to the ground. The swing ceremony had teams of Thai men in elaborate head dresses competing to launch themselves into the air, where they would use their teeth to catch a sack of coins tied to the top of a pole 25 metres above the ground. The stability of the swing and presumed success of the people swinging, represented the unshakable Shiva of Hindu legend.
Gordon KnowlesApr 2, 2018
Really nothing special about this. Looked at it for 10 seconds and kept walking. Its ok at best really
luke davisJun 2, 2018
Just a big frame of a swing, nothing too special. But if you are close, take a look. Some impressive structure around it. Temples etc
Sam StylesJun 30, 2018
Tourist attraction. Nice place to sit or walk around. And can take lots of photos.
Vidyarth TiwariJun 9, 2018
Stop by for snapping photo The area nearby is more interesting. Old town with local food to explore Walkable distance to the grand palace
Jomkwan SAug 13, 2018
It is nice to walk past this monument and take a look. Quite an impressive ancient swing. There are many local shops around selling traditional religious decorations. There are also several buses going to the Siam Centre from here.
Vanya BishtJul 16, 2018
This was neat to see. it is in the middle of a bunch of streets so its kinda just there but it was still nice to see
Simon CurielJul 16, 2018
It’s marvelous. Giant swing was built since 1949 and it has been here until now.
nokstalkerAug 10, 2018
Very nice work of architecture and and especially enjoyable around sunset time. Strongly recommend taking a better camera than mine and spending more time here to afford seeing all that this place has to offer. The Walk was especially enjoyable as the scorching sun was setting, but definitely worth it even under the midday sun. Make sure to have some snacks of the animals lying around especially cats, you can take amazing photos.
Moe GhanimFeb 6, 2018
This was a nice temple in a line of nice temples. The doors were really cool! It is named for the giant swing out front, which was under some sort of construction when we got there. This was a lovely stop, but it was not on my personal top 5 list.
Jessica FlorestaFeb 4, 2018
At time I visited here (March of 2018), the area is under renovation, you are not allowed to go nearby the swing, only can see it across the road. Not much special here, but the swing is beautiful during the sunset, and good for photos
Brett KwongMar 4, 2018
Great place. The very popular mont nom sod near this place is a must ..
Aasutosh KarkiMar 3, 2018
One of The most famous landmark of Bangkok. Good place for taking photos and studying ancient bangkok history.
Hongchow ChenFeb 12, 2018
Visiting here and this place is the most-remembered religious structures The Giant Swing, the world's most legendary one of its kind, which sets surrounded by Wat Suthat, Bangkok City Hall and The Brahman Temple. We spent 10mins here taking photo and proceed with another place which is correction museum since nothing much to see. Just walking distance.
Mohd Hairil Mohamad TahirApr 20, 2018
Under whelming. Absolutely could have been a drive by. Its also in the middle of a big intersection and so you can't even get close to it.
Heather ColeMar 30, 2018
Trying to get a taxi driver or Tuk Tuk driver to stop and park here to take photos of this Giant Swing is not easy. There are usually many police near by ready to book them. However one day, I managed to get a Tuk Tuk driver to pretend he had broken down and I managed to get some photos of this Monument. The Giant Swing is a religious structure in the Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, located in front of Wat Suthat temple. It was formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's main tourist attractions. The Giant Swing was constructed in 1784 in front of the Devasathan shrine by King Rama I. During the reign of Rama II the ceremonial swing was discontinued as a swing because it had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920 it was renovated and moved to its current location. The ceremony was again performed until 1935, when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents connected with the ceremonies performed using this swing. The last renovations were done in 1959, and after 45 years of exposure to the elements the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious neglect. A major reconstruction began in April 2005. Six teak tree trunks were used. The two used for the main structure of the swing are over 3.5 metres in circumference and over 30 metres in height. The remaining four are used for support and are 2.30 metres in circumference and 20 metres in height. The swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished in December of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in September 2007. The timbers of the original swing are preserved in the National Museum at 4, Na Phra That, Bangkok, Phra Nakhon 10200, Thailand. It is the the largest museum in Southeast Asia featuring exhibits of Thai art and history. In 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was suggested as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, commonly shortened to Wat Suthat, is an important temple in Thailand. Inside the Grand Hall you will find its principle Buddha image, Phra Sri Sagaya Munee, which was acquired from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai. Wat Suthat was built by King Rama 1 in the centre of his capital but it was completed in the reign of Rama 3. Many people often make pilgrimages to worship the Buddha especially on holy days such as Visakha Bucha Day, Magha Bucha Day etc. According to an ancient Hindu epic, after Brahma created the world he sent Shiva ( meaning the Auspicious One and is a popular Hindu deity. Shiva is regarded as one of the primary forms of God. ) to look after it. When Shiva descended to the earth, Naga serpents wrapped around the mountains in order to keep the earth in place. After Shiva found the earth solid, the Nagas moved to the seas in celebration. The Swing Ceremony was a re-enactment of this. The pillars of the Giant Swing represented the mountains, while the circular base of the swing represented the earth and the seas. For centuries, the Giant Swing played a central role in annual swing ceremonies that symbolically re-enacted elements of Hindu origin stories. In Hindu mythology Brahma tested the stability of the newly created world by ordering Shiva to stand on a mountain while giant snakes tried to shake him to the ground. The swing ceremony had teams of Thai men in elaborate head dresses competing to launch themselves into the air, where they would use their teeth to catch a sack of coins tied to the top of a pole 25 metres above the ground. The stability of the swing and presumed success of the people swinging, represented the unshakable Shiva of Hindu legend.
Gordon KnowlesApr 2, 2018
Really nothing special about this. Looked at it for 10 seconds and kept walking. Its ok at best really
luke davisJun 2, 2018
Just a big frame of a swing, nothing too special. But if you are close, take a look. Some impressive structure around it. Temples etc
Sam StylesJun 30, 2018
Tourist attraction. Nice place to sit or walk around. And can take lots of photos.
Vidyarth TiwariJun 9, 2018
Stop by for snapping photo The area nearby is more interesting. Old town with local food to explore Walkable distance to the grand palace
Jomkwan SAug 13, 2018
It is nice to walk past this monument and take a look. Quite an impressive ancient swing. There are many local shops around selling traditional religious decorations. There are also several buses going to the Siam Centre from here.
Vanya BishtJul 16, 2018
This was neat to see. it is in the middle of a bunch of streets so its kinda just there but it was still nice to see
Simon CurielJul 16, 2018
It’s marvelous. Giant swing was built since 1949 and it has been here until now.
nokstalkerAug 10, 2018
Very nice work of architecture and and especially enjoyable around sunset time. Strongly recommend taking a better camera than mine and spending more time here to afford seeing all that this place has to offer. The Walk was especially enjoyable as the scorching sun was setting, but definitely worth it even under the midday sun. Make sure to have some snacks of the animals lying around especially cats, you can take amazing photos.
Moe GhanimFeb 6, 2018
This was a nice temple in a line of nice temples. The doors were really cool! It is named for the giant swing out front, which was under some sort of construction when we got there. This was a lovely stop, but it was not on my personal top 5 list.
Jessica FlorestaFeb 4, 2018
At time I visited here (March of 2018), the area is under renovation, you are not allowed to go nearby the swing, only can see it across the road. Not much special here, but the swing is beautiful during the sunset, and good for photos
Brett KwongMar 4, 2018
Great place. The very popular mont nom sod near this place is a must ..
Aasutosh KarkiMar 3, 2018
One of The most famous landmark of Bangkok. Good place for taking photos and studying ancient bangkok history.
Hongchow ChenFeb 12, 2018
Visiting here and this place is the most-remembered religious structures The Giant Swing, the world's most legendary one of its kind, which sets surrounded by Wat Suthat, Bangkok City Hall and The Brahman Temple. We spent 10mins here taking photo and proceed with another place which is correction museum since nothing much to see. Just walking distance.
Mohd Hairil Mohamad TahirApr 20, 2018
Under whelming. Absolutely could have been a drive by. Its also in the middle of a big intersection and so you can't even get close to it.
Heather ColeMar 30, 2018
Trying to get a taxi driver or Tuk Tuk driver to stop and park here to take photos of this Giant Swing is not easy. There are usually many police near by ready to book them. However one day, I managed to get a Tuk Tuk driver to pretend he had broken down and I managed to get some photos of this Monument. The Giant Swing is a religious structure in the Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, located in front of Wat Suthat temple. It was formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's main tourist attractions. The Giant Swing was constructed in 1784 in front of the Devasathan shrine by King Rama I. During the reign of Rama II the ceremonial swing was discontinued as a swing because it had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920 it was renovated and moved to its current location. The ceremony was again performed until 1935, when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents connected with the ceremonies performed using this swing. The last renovations were done in 1959, and after 45 years of exposure to the elements the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious neglect. A major reconstruction began in April 2005. Six teak tree trunks were used. The two used for the main structure of the swing are over 3.5 metres in circumference and over 30 metres in height. The remaining four are used for support and are 2.30 metres in circumference and 20 metres in height. The swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished in December of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in September 2007. The timbers of the original swing are preserved in the National Museum at 4, Na Phra That, Bangkok, Phra Nakhon 10200, Thailand. It is the the largest museum in Southeast Asia featuring exhibits of Thai art and history. In 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was suggested as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, commonly shortened to Wat Suthat, is an important temple in Thailand. Inside the Grand Hall you will find its principle Buddha image, Phra Sri Sagaya Munee, which was acquired from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai. Wat Suthat was built by King Rama 1 in the centre of his capital but it was completed in the reign of Rama 3. Many people often make pilgrimages to worship the Buddha especially on holy days such as Visakha Bucha Day, Magha Bucha Day etc. According to an ancient Hindu epic, after Brahma created the world he sent Shiva ( meaning the Auspicious One and is a popular Hindu deity. Shiva is regarded as one of the primary forms of God. ) to look after it. When Shiva descended to the earth, Naga serpents wrapped around the mountains in order to keep the earth in place. After Shiva found the earth solid, the Nagas moved to the seas in celebration. The Swing Ceremony was a re-enactment of this. The pillars of the Giant Swing represented the mountains, while the circular base of the swing represented the earth and the seas. For centuries, the Giant Swing played a central role in annual swing ceremonies that symbolically re-enacted elements of Hindu origin stories. In Hindu mythology Brahma tested the stability of the newly created world by ordering Shiva to stand on a mountain while giant snakes tried to shake him to the ground. The swing ceremony had teams of Thai men in elaborate head dresses competing to launch themselves into the air, where they would use their teeth to catch a sack of coins tied to the top of a pole 25 metres above the ground. The stability of the swing and presumed success of the people swinging, represented the unshakable Shiva of Hindu legend.
Gordon KnowlesApr 2, 2018
Really nothing special about this. Looked at it for 10 seconds and kept walking. Its ok at best really
luke davisJun 2, 2018
Just a big frame of a swing, nothing too special. But if you are close, take a look. Some impressive structure around it. Temples etc
Sam StylesJun 30, 2018
Tourist attraction. Nice place to sit or walk around. And can take lots of photos.
Vidyarth TiwariJun 9, 2018
Stop by for snapping photo The area nearby is more interesting. Old town with local food to explore Walkable distance to the grand palace
Jomkwan SAug 13, 2018
It is nice to walk past this monument and take a look. Quite an impressive ancient swing. There are many local shops around selling traditional religious decorations. There are also several buses going to the Siam Centre from here.
Vanya BishtJul 16, 2018
This was neat to see. it is in the middle of a bunch of streets so its kinda just there but it was still nice to see
Simon CurielJul 16, 2018
It’s marvelous. Giant swing was built since 1949 and it has been here until now.
nokstalkerAug 10, 2018
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