“Sao Chingcha” which is the Thai name of the Giant Swing
As a local, this is one of the districts in the old town which has its own characteristic and many places to visit.
Believe it or not, I have only been here for one or two times in my entire life.
One time, it was an excursion trip with my school since my very young age.
I remember almost nothing but the signature Giant Swing and the door at the temple of Wat Suthat.
The other time I went with my mom to try the famous drink shop “Mont Nomsod”.
This time I had a chance to be here by myself and wander around the area for half a day. I still remember nothing from the past.
Maybe because there are so many things that have changed since the past as well.
But… wow…
The area itself is freshened up from the gloomy old building to the lively district filled with many interesting places to visit.
Here is what I found around the Sao Chingcha area and I think it is worth visiting as well.
Lots of Magnificent Temples and Buildings.
The area is still considered the old town area. At least from my local perception.
Of course, what you will see in the old town are temples and many historical buildings.
Starting from Wat Suthat which is the temple right in front of the Giant Swing is a great temple you should not miss.
It is a temple with a huge Ubosot building and magnificent mural painting inside.
Yes, do not forget to look at the door when entering the Ubosot.
You will see the unbelievably beautiful high-relief crafted wooden doors.
There are many interesting temples nearby such as Wat Ratchanatdaram and Wat Thepthidaram.
Every temple is a HUGE temple and has its own highlight.
Feel free to click on the link of each place to read further.
If you walk a bit further from the area, you can also visit the Golden Mount at Wat Saket.
This Golden Mount is definitely a place you must visit if you come by this area.
You can see the entire Bangkok by walking up to the mountain.
Around the area, there are many beautiful buildings which are historical sites such as Mahankan Fort with a nice park behind the wall.
At Lan Khon Mueng, Bangkok City Hall, if you are lucky you can experience some local fairs, food vendors or seasonal activities there.
The Giant Swing, the signature red tall structure in front of Bangkok City Hall with rich history.
If you walk from Khaosan, it is easy to notice the Democracy Monument, the symbol of Democracy in Thailand.
Lots of Legendary Restaurants Are Here.
Around Sao Chingcha, there are tons of places to eat as well as many nice restaurants, coffee shops, great for chilling around.
The area is famously known for Pad Thai, the famous Thai dishes everyone loves.
I personally recommend Thipsamai Padthai Pratoopee, the most famous shop for Pad Thai in this area.
Try it and let me know in the comment below if it is different from the other Pad Thai you have tried before.
There are many famous restaurants that originated here, in the area near Sao Chingcha.
For example, Raan Jay Fai, the first street food shop who achieved 1 Michelin Star.
Krua Apsorn @Dinso, also received the Michelin Bib Gourmand award for its high quality food.
You can always find the full list of restaurants and cafes I have selected below.
Feel free to add to your list as well.
Restaurants: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4YtZNFgzeCh4neWK9
Coffee, snack and dessert shops: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cCuRaNpj7sgEKd2Z6
There are so many street food shops around the area which I did not add into the list.
You can always try those shops if you want to experience the very local way of dining, but do not expect much of a service or an aesthetic of the place.
Good Option For A 2-3 Stars Hotel.
The great thing about this location is the vibe of the old town and cheap price.
I found this location could be more quiet in the evening compared to the hotel in Khaosan street at the similar price.
The hotel here is mostly 2-3 stars. Some places offer shared rooms, which I personally do not recommend for any kind of travel, but just FYI for you.
If you enjoy walking, staying in this area is quite convenient to explore the other parts of the old town.
You can walk for about 20 minutes to reach all the destinations in Ko Rattanakosin such as The Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The National Museum, etc.
Get the best price for your stay near Sao Chincha here.
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How To Get There?
If you are staying here for your first destination. I recommend taking a taxi right from the airport.
A single ride from both Suvarnabhumi Airport or Donmueng Airport should cost around 350-650 Baht (11~ 21 USD) depending on the car type you choose. (price as of June 2026)
Both airports you can call it via ride hailing applications like Grab or use the taxi airport services.
After that you can walk and explore the area.
If you are not staying in this area and want to visit this area, here are the modes of transportation I recommend.
Klong Saen Saep Boat
This is the most convenient way to go to the Sao Chingcha area.
This boat route passes through the commercial areas of Bangkok such as Siam, Ratchaprasong, Pratunam, and Asok.
If you stay in a hotel in those areas, this is a great option to avoid the traffic, especially during the day time.
The fare of a single ride starts from 16 Baht (~0.5 USD) for just a few stops and it goes up by the distances.
Purchase a ticket on the boat only.
The boat operates from 6:00 until 20:00 for the weekday, and until 19:00 on Saturday.
On Sunday the boat will operate from 07:00 until 18:00.
Journeybliss tips: Operating hours of the Saen Saep canal boat can vary from the information I have.
On the way back from Ratchadamnoen avenue, I highly recommend being at the Panfa Leelard pier no later than 18:00.
Take a boat from the nearest pier from your hotel to Panfa Leelard Pier.
At Panfa Leelard Pier, you will arrive at the opposite side of Wat Saket or the Golden Mount.
Just cross the narrow bridge on the left side of the pier and walk for about 200 meters, you will see the entrance to the temple.
If you walk straight to Ratchadamnoen avenue, and go along the left side crossing the bridge, you will find Mahakan Fort and Wat Ratchanatdaram.
Here if you turn left to Maha Chai road and walk for about 300 meters, at the end of the wall of Wat Ratchanatdaram, you will arrive at Wat Thep Tidaram.
From Mahakan Fort and Wat Ratchanatdaram, if you walk along Ratchadamnoen avenue, you will see the Democracy Monument.
Here if you turn left and walk along Dinso street, for about 500 meters you will find Bangkok City Hall, The Giant Swing as well as Wat Suthat.
You can walk along Bamrung Mueang road towards the east for about 500 meters, cross a bridge and turn left to enter Boriphat road.
This is the road at the back of Wat Saket. Here you can go back to the pier where you start your trip.
Alternatively, you can walk along Unakan road from the Giant Swing for about 500 meters to use the MRT at MRT Sam Yot Station.
MRT
This is another convenient mode of transportation if you stay in a hotel near MRT.
Get off the train at MRT Sam Yot Station, exit no. 3.
Turn right and walk along the Unakan road. About 500 meters, you will arrive at Wat Suthat, The Giant Swing and Bangkok City Hall.
Here you can walk towards Dinso road for another 500 meters, you will see the Democracy Monument.
Turn right and walk along Ratchadamnoen avenue for about 300 meters, you will be in front of Wat Ratchanatdaram.
You can turn right to Maha Chai road and walk for about 300 meters. At the end of the wall of Wat Ratchanatdaram, you will arrive at Wat Thep Tidaram.
Or If you decide to go straight, cross Panfa Leelard bridge and turn right to the Boriphat road.
Here you can access Wat Saket or the Golden Mount from the back of the temple.
On the way back, you can take the Klong Saen Saep Boat to go back.
If you want to go back using MRT, from Wat Saket temple, turn left to Bamrung Mueng road and walk for about 500 meters to go back to the Giant Swing.
Here turn left and walk towards Unakan road for another 500 meters, you will be at the MRT Sam Yot Station.
Taxi/TukTuk
This is another great option as there should not be a heavy traffic in this area.
Feel free to negotiate the fare with the driver or use the ride hailing application like Grab or Muvmi.
Car
If you drive a car, you can park at Bangkok City Hall during the weekend.
Underground parking space for public cost follows:
- 15 Minutes: free (for drop off or changing your mind)
- From the 1st hour until 5th hour: 20 Baht per hour
- From the 6th hour onwards: 30 Baht per hour
Read more information about parking lot in Bangkok City Hall article.
