Wat Suthat

Despite being a magnificent temple in and of itself, Wat Suthat is more well-known for the enormous swing that is located outside. The Sao Ghingcha also referred to as the "giant red swing", is a 21-meter-tall structure made entirely of teak wood.

The swing was initially built in the 1700s to be used in traditional Brahmin (Hinduist) ceremonies, but after being struck by lightning, it was reduced to decoration mainly. The Giant Swing, a religious building of the Brahman faith that is almost 21 meters (69 feet) tall, was first used as a part of a ceremony during the Brahman Festival. Teams of three would swing up to 25 meters ("up to Heaven") and alternately balance on a dangerously small board while attempting to catch a bag of silver coins in their teeth. That didn't always end up well, and the practice was eventually banned and the swing part removed. The courtyard includes 156 Buddha statues around the main chapel and other hand-carved statues and decorations adorning walls and roofs.

Address: Bamrung Mueang Road, Wat Rat Baphit, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok