Suan Luang Rama IX Park: A Lush Paradise

Last week's Songkran's ravishing mayhem (amusing water fights) brought so much brio and fun to every locals and foreigners all over the land of smiles. Listless eyes, muscle pains and groggy heads were the upshots of the back-slapping and glad-handering celebration. And I wasn't exempted to these aftereffects, in fact, my adrenaline was still going. To put a halt to this feeling, I was in need of crisp air, lush green shrubs, colorful flowers and a turquoise sky then I caught myself in the middle of the largest park in Bangkok that was far from the chaos, the Rama IX Park or popularly known as Suan Luang.  

Sao Ching Cha: The Giant Swing

I was sauntering down the road of Bamrung Mueang after my trip to Wat Saket (The Golden Mount), when all of a sudden this masterpiece caught my attention. The structure was kinda familiar to me, "Aha! I always see this in some posters and magazines as the iconic symbol of Bangkok". This tall red religious woodwork stood proudly in the middle of the busy traffic roundabout. Yes, this Giant Swing is a swing. In fact, it was coated with history and religion not just a typical landmark.

Wat Saket: Temple of the Golden Mount

I could feel the searing heat as I walked on the pavements on my way to Bangkok's man-made hill crowed with a glistering gold stupa, The Golden Mount. Climbing the Golden Mount costed me twenty baht, which was economical. This well-known landmark has tall and sturdy tress, Buddhist chapels, innumerable stair steps, hundreds of small and big wall bells, gongs and captivating artworks. In order to discern visually the scenic view, I took numerous stair steps that encircled the stupa which made the climb quite daring. It was challenging but worth the effort because I was welcomed by the refreshing city breeze, chiming wall bells and panoramas of remarkable Bangkok. I reached the peak and it was incredibly awesome. Skyscrapers and beautiful city chaos mesmerized me. And the gleaming gold chedi stood proud as people took pictures of it. Spent almost half an hour aimlessly walking the place and taking good shots. This landmark opens at 9:00 - 17:00 and it is located between Boriphat Road and Lan Luang Road, off Ratchadamneon Road.