Old Bangkok at Sunset: Loha Prasat, the Giant Swing and the Ong Ang Canal
A four-hour afternoon walk through the oldest quarter of Bangkok, timed to miss the worst of the heat. See Loha Prasat, the only metal castle temple left standing anywhere in the world, climb Wat Saket for sunset over the old town, stop at the red Giant Swing in front of Wat Suthat, and end the evening among the street art and lights of the Ong Ang Canal.
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Temples, a Golden Mount Sunset and the Ong Ang Canal in One Afternoon
Phra Nakhon, the old town of Bangkok, is the part of the city built for walking, and this afternoon covers it in the order that makes sense: architecture first, then the view, then the canal. It opens at Wat Ratchanatdaram, better known as Loha Prasat, the “metal castle”. Thirty-seven dark bronze spires rise from its roof, one for each of the virtues Buddhism counts on the way to enlightenment, and no other temple of this kind survives anywhere.
From there the route climbs the spiral staircase of Wat Saket, the Golden Mount, past rows of bells and gongs. Before the towers went up, this artificial hill was the highest point in Bangkok, and the terrace at the top still gives a full circle over the low roofs of the old quarter, which is why we get there for sunset. The last two stops belong to the evening. Wat Suthat and the red Giant Swing in front of it, once the setting for a Brahmin ceremony in which men swung to a terrifying height to give thanks for the harvest. Then the Ong Ang Canal, a stretch of old waterway turned into a lit pedestrian walkway covered in murals. On weekdays it is quiet; on Friday, Saturday and Sunday it fills with craft stalls, musicians and food carts.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFBKK08 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Bangkok |
| Duration | Half Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Private |
| Guide Language | Italian, English, Multilingual |
| Interests | Culture & Temples, Food & Cuisine, Local Markets |
| Available Period | All year round |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup from your hotel reception. Depending on what suits you, we reach the old town (Phra Nakhon) and move between the stops either in a comfortable private vehicle or on the local public transport, which puts you closer to the city as it actually works.
The first stop is an architectural rarity. Known as the “metal castle”, this is the only temple of its kind left in the world. Worth knowing: the roof carries 37 dark bronze spires, and the number is not decorative — it stands for the 37 virtues Buddhism counts on the path to enlightenment.
Next comes the best view in the old town. The climb is a gentle spiral up the steps of the artificial hill of Wat Saket, past rows of bells and Tibetan gongs. Worth knowing: before the modern towers went up, this gilded stupa was the highest point in all of Bangkok. We reach the terrace in time for a 360-degree sunset over the old quarter.
Back down from the Golden Mount we reach Wat Suthat, one of the oldest and largest temple compounds in the capital, known for its symmetry and for the murals inside. Worth knowing: the tall red frame outside it is the Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha). It was used for Brahmin ceremonies as spectacular as they were dangerous, in which participants swung to a dizzying height to thank Shiva for the harvest.
The walk ends along the banks of the Ong Ang Canal, one of the khlongs, the canals of old Bangkok, brought back to life as a public space. The quiet of the temples gives way to a modern pedestrian promenade, lined with murals and lit up after dark. Local note: on weekdays the canal is a calm, unhurried stroll; on Friday, Saturday and Sunday it fills with craft stalls, live musicians and very good street food.
The tour closes after the canal walk. Transfer back to your hotel.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- English-speaking assistance
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Transfers (private vehicle or public transport, as you prefer)
- Entrance fees to the sites visited
Not Included
- Tips
- Dinner, tastings and street food along the Ong Ang Canal (left open so you choose what you want to try)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether an excursion is right for me?
Every tour and activity is described in detail in your personalized itinerary. For each excursion you will find precise information on:
- Difficulty level: easy, moderate or demanding.
- Duration: from half a day to a full day.
- Requirements: minimum level of fitness, recommended age and accessibility.
Please also bear in mind that sea excursions by speedboat are usually not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems. Travelers with disabilities should be accompanied by someone who can assist them when needed. If you have any doubts or specific requirements, your Travel Consultant is always at your disposal for personalized advice.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety is our priority. If weather conditions make an activity dangerous or inadvisable, the excursion will be:
- Rescheduled: we will try to move the activity to another day of your trip.
- Replaced: if rescheduling is not possible, we will offer an alternative activity of equal value.
- Refunded: if neither rescheduling nor replacement is possible, you will receive a full refund for the excursion you were unable to take.
Please remember that rain during the wet season rarely spoils an entire day. You will always be informed in advance of any changes.
What are the pick-up times?
All meeting and pick-up details are clearly stated in your final travel documents (which you receive about 3 weeks before departure).
- Time: we will let you know the exact pick-up time. Please be ready at the agreed place at least 15 minutes beforehand.
- Pick-up point: in most cases the pick-up takes place directly in the lobby of your accommodation (if it lies within the areas covered by the service). If it does not, we will tell you the nearest meeting point.
What should I bring with me on the excursions?
For every excursion we provide a list of recommended items. In general, we always suggest:
- Suitable clothing: for example, long pants and no low-cut tops when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, light and breathable clothes for hot areas, a swimsuit, or comfortable shoes for light trekking.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydration: water, especially on hot days.
- Vouchers and documents: where required, a copy (digital or printed) of your booking voucher.
Are meals or drinks included during the tours?
It depends on the excursion. The description of each tour in your itinerary clearly states whether the following are included:
- Lunch, dinner or snacks.
- Water or other drinks.
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you book, so that we can inform our local partners in advance.
Can I cancel or change a single excursion?
Yes, but specific terms apply. Cancellation and amendment conditions vary from one activity to another.
You will find the exact details for each excursion in the Terms and Conditions attached to your quotation. If you need to make a change or a cancellation, please write to us at info@thailandfantastic.com as soon as possible.
Are young children and infants allowed?
It depends on the activity. Some excursions, especially those by boat or those requiring physical effort, may have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Any such restriction is stated in the tour description.
Please always tell us the exact age of every participant, children in particular, when you request a quotation.
