Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing

Wat Suthat (Wat Suthat Thep Wararam) is located adjacent to the "Giant Swing" and the swing is considered part of the Temple complex. The temple is also one of the official "Royal" Temples as well as a royal temple of the first grade, one of ten such temples in Bangkok. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained and on my visit one of the two Temples were under renovation.  I suggest a tour of the temple for anyone interested in Thai Culture. 

Bangkok's Giant Swing is another of Bangkok's famous City icons. The swing has a long history in Bangkok, being  constructed in the late seventeen hundreds by King Rama I.  The swing ceremonies have their roots in Hindu traditions. The swing has been replaced several times in the past with the most recent in 2007 when huge teak trees were specially grown and selected for the straightness of the trunks and free of knots. I was lucky enough to be in Bangkok for the dedication of the new swing and I remember it was quite a big ceremony.