# Giant Swing

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Historic structure in Bangkok, Thailand

"Sao Chingcha" redirects here. For the subdistrict, see [Sao Chingcha subdistrict](/source/Sao_Chingcha_subdistrict).

For other uses, see [Giant swing](/source/Giant_swing_(disambiguation)).

The Giant Swing in Bangkok.

The **Giant Swing**, also known as **Sao Chingcha** or **Sao Ching Cha** ([Thai](/source/Thai_language): เสาชิงช้า, *[RTGS](/source/Royal_Thai_General_System_of_Transcription): *Sao Chingcha**, pronounced [\[sǎw t͡ɕʰīŋ.t͡ɕʰáː\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Thai) [ⓘ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Saochingchah.ogg)), is a 21.15 m (69.4 ft)-tall, swing-shaped religious structure and a prominent landmark in the [Sao Chingcha Subdistrict](/source/Sao_Chingcha_Subdistrict) of [Phra Nakhon District](/source/Phra_Nakhon_District), [Bangkok](/source/Bangkok), Thailand. Located in front of [Wat Suthat](/source/Wat_Suthat), it was formerly used in a traditional [Brahmin](/source/Brahmin) ceremony and is now one of Bangkok's notable tourist attractions.

It also stands directly before the [Devasathan](/source/Devasathan) ("Thewasathan Bot Phram," meaning "the abode of the gods"), the Royal Brahmin Office of the Thai royal court. The site is central to the [Triyamphawai (Tripavai) ceremony](/source/Triyampawai_ceremony), a sacred Thai Brahman ritual rooted in the recitation of Tamil devotional [Tiruppavai](/source/Tiruppavai) hymns.[1]

## History

See also: [Sanskritisation](/source/Sanskritisation), [Greater India](/source/Greater_India), [Hinduism in Southeast Asia](/source/Hinduism_in_Southeast_Asia), and [Buddhism in Southeast Asia](/source/Buddhism_in_Southeast_Asia)

An illustration from the book mentioned below, depicting the [Triyampawai ceremony](/source/Triyampawai_ceremony) during the reign of King [Rama I](/source/Rama_I)

The Giant Swing was constructed in 1784 in front of the [Devasathan](/source/Devasathan) shrine by King [Rama I](/source/Rama_I). During the reign of [Rama II](/source/Rama_II), the swing ceremony was discontinued as the swing had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920, it was renovated and moved to its current location in order to make space for a gas plant. The ceremony was again performed until 1935, when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents.

Further renovations were done in 1959. By 2005, the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious damage from exposure to the elements. A major reconstruction began in April 2005. Six teak tree trunks were used. The two used for the main structure of the swing are over 3.5 m in circumference and over 30m in height. The remaining four are used for support and have a circumference of 2.30 metres and a height of 20 metres.[2] The swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished in December of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided over by King [Bhumibol Adulyadej](/source/Bhumibol_Adulyadej) in September 2007. The timbers of the original swing are preserved in the [Bangkok National Museum](/source/Bangkok_National_Museum).

In 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was proposed as a future [World Heritage](/source/UNESCO_World_Heritage_Site) site.

## Annual sunset alignment

In addition, there is a phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the center of the Giant Swing. This occurs once a year, though not on the exact same date each year, usually falling in early March. It creates a beautiful scene, making it popular among photographers. In 2025, this phenomenon took place on March 6.[3]

## Surroundings

### Wat Suthat Thep Wararam

Main article: [Wat Suthat](/source/Wat_Suthat)

[Wat Suthat](/source/Wat_Suthat) (left) and the Giant Swing (right)

[Wat Suthat](/source/Wat_Suthat) Thep Wararam, commonly shortened to "Wat Suthat", is an important temple in Thailand. Inside the grand hall is a Phra Sri Sagaya Munee, its principal Buddha image, which was acquired from Wat Mahathat in [Sukhothai](/source/Sukhothai_(city)). Wat Suthat was built by King Rama I in the center of his capital, but it was completed in the reign of Rama III.[4] Many people often make pilgrimages to worship the Buddha, especially on holy days such as Visakha Bucha Day and Magha Bucha Day.

### Sarn Choa Po Seu or Tiger God Shrine

Main article: [Tiger God Shrine](/source/Tiger_God_Shrine)

Giant Swing as seen from [Bamrung Mueang Road](/source/Bamrung_Mueang_Road)

[Watchtower](/source/Watchtower) of Rommaninat Park

In the quarter there is also a well-known and high regarded Chinese shrine, Sarn Choa Po Seu ('tiger shrine'). Originally it was a building on [Bamrung Mueang Road](/source/Bamrung_Mueang_Road), where the big Chinese communities were. Later, King Rama V expanded the road and had the shrine relocated to the current location on Ta Nao Road, near WatMahanaparam.[5] The site is a place of worship for Thai and Chinese people seeking success in career, money, love, and infant fertility.

Built in 1834, during the reign of King Rama III, the Tiger God Shrine is one of the most ancient and famous shrines in Thailand. Moreover, this shrine has beautiful interior design and has some antiquities. Most people come to pay respect to "Tua Lao Aie", a Chinese God to have good fortune, especially on Chinese New Year's Day.[6]

### Lan Kon Mueng (Townspeople Plaza)

At the heart of the quarter is LanKonMueng, in front of [city hall](/source/Bangkok_City_Hall). Every morning and evening, this is the recreational area of the locals, where they can exercise such as dance aerobics, jogging, stroll around, gather or just relax, bring children or pets out for a walk, and enjoy the breeze.[7]

### Devasathan

Main article: [Devasathan](/source/Devasathan)

The [Devasathan](/source/Devasathan) Shrine is the most important religious and ancient place for Hindus in Thailand. It was built in 1784 CE, during the reign of King Rama I. According to ancient tradition, it was built for holding officiating religious ceremonies in the past. Devasathan Shrine has many important sanctuaries: the Shiva and Parvati Shrine, the Brahma and Sarasvati Shrine, the Ganesha and Siddhi Shrine, and the Vishnu and Lakshmi Shrine.[8]

### Trok Mo Market

Main article: [Trok Mo Market](/source/Trok_Mo_Market)

In a small alley off Bamrung Mueang Road on the western side of the Sao Chingcha lies a long-established historic market and community. It was originally located at the present site of the City Hall under the name "Sao Chingcha Market," until 1973, when the [Bangkok Metropolitan Administration](/source/Bangkok_Metropolitan_Administration) building was constructed. The market was then relocated to its current site, a narrow and elongated lane. Despite its modest size, it remains a vibrant and lively morning market, operating from early morning until around 11 a.m.[9]

### Vishnu Temple

The small temple of Lord [Vishnu](/source/Vishnu) on [Unakan Road](/source/Unakan_Road), beside of Wat Suthat, was built in 1982, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Rattanakosin, by the Indian-Thai Chamber of Commerce Association as a sign of the good relations between Thailand and India. The idol of Vishnu was brought from India.[10]

### Benjamarachalai School

Main article: [Benjamarachalai School](/source/Benjamarachalai_School)

A girls' secondary school on Siriphong Road, just behind and diagonally opposite the Vishnu Temple, was established in 1913. It stands on the former site of the residence of Prince Marubongsa Siribadhana, a half-brother of King Rama V.

### Hindu Samaj Bangkok

Adjacent to Benjamarachalai School is the Hindu Samaj Bangkok, an association of the [Hindu community in Thailand](/source/Hinduism_in_Thailand). Within its grounds is the Dev Mandir Temple, another important Hindu place of worship in Bangkok, established in 1925 under the [Vaishnavite](/source/Vaishnavite) tradition. The temple houses several Hindu deities, with the principal deities being Vishnu and [Lakshmi](/source/Lakshmi). It is a popular site for prayers related to love and relationships. Nearby is also Bharat Vidyalaya School, an educational institution offering classes from kindergarten to [Grade 6](/source/Education_in_Thailand), located in an adjacent alley.[11]

### Rommaninat Park

Main article: [Rommaninat Park](/source/Rommaninat_Park)

A small public park covering approximately 11 [acres](/source/Acre) was created in 1992 to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen [Sirikit](/source/Sirikit). It was built on the former site of [Klong Prem Central Prison](/source/Klong_Prem_Central_Prison), and thus still retains some of the old structures that indicate its previous use as a correctional facility, such as watchtowers.

## Swing ceremony

Main article: [Triyampawai ceremony](/source/Triyampawai_ceremony)

The Swinging Festival ca.1900

An annual swinging ceremony known as *Triyampavai-Tripavai* was held at Giant Swings of major cities until 1935, when it was abolished for safety reasons.[12] The name of the ceremony was derived from the names of two [Tamil language](/source/Tamil_language) Hindu chants: *[Thiruvempavai](/source/Thiruvempavai)* (a [Shaivite](/source/Shaivism) hymn by [Manikkavacakar](/source/Manikkavacakar)) and *[Thiruppavai](/source/Tiruppavai)* (a [Vaishnavite](/source/Vaishnavism) hymn by Andal). Among Thai people, the ceremony was popularly known as *Lo Jin Ja* ("pulling the swing"). It is known that Tamil verses from *Thiruvempavai* — Sivalaya Vasal Thirappu ("opening the portals of Shiva's home") — were recited at this ceremony and verses from *Tirupavai*, as well as the coronation ceremony of the [Thai king and queen](/source/Monarchy_of_Thailand).[13] As said by T.P. Meenakshisundaram, the name of the festival shows that Thiruppavai has been recited as well.[14]

According to ancient [Hindu](/source/Hindus) mythology, after [Brahma](/source/Brahma) created the world he sent [Shiva](/source/Shiva) to look after it. When Shiva descended to the earth, [Naga](/source/N%C4%81ga) serpents wrapped around the mountains in order to keep the earth in place. After Shiva found the earth solid, the Nagas moved to the seas in celebration and made the earth stable completely. The Swing Ceremony was a re-enactment of this. The pillars of the Giant Swing represented the mountains, while the circular base of the swing represented the earth and the seas. In the ceremony Brahamanas would swing, trying to grab a bag of coins placed on one of the pillars.

## In popular culture

The Giant Swing is featured in the video games *[Mario Kart Tour](/source/Mario_Kart_Tour)* and *[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe](/source/Mario_Kart_8_Deluxe)* as part of the Bangkok Rush racecourse.

## See also

- The appearance of the Giant Swing is sometimes confused with unrelated gate structures in other Asian cultures:

- - [Hongsalmun](/source/Hongsalmun), gate in Korean architecture - [Iljumun](/source/Iljumun), first gate of Korean Buddhist temple - [Paifang](/source/Paifang), Chinese architectural arch or gateway structure - [Shanmen](/source/Shanmen), gate of Chinese Buddhist temple - [Tam quan](/source/Tam_quan), gate of Vietnamese temple - [Torii](/source/Torii), Japanese gate found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Modi's Bangkok visit: India–Thailand friendship is heading for a strategic upgrade"](https://theprint.in/opinion/modis-bangkok-visit-india-thailand-friendship-is-heading-for-a-strategic-upgrade/2572767/). *ThePrint*. Retrieved 20 April 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [จากไม้ป่าสู่ "เสาชิงช้า" ตั้งตระหง่านคู่กรุงรัตนโกสินทร์](https://mgronline.com/live/detail/9490000067781) [From forest wood to "Giant Swing", towering along the Rattanakosin capital]. *[Manager Daily](/source/Manager_Daily)* (in Thai). 23 May 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260501052514/https://mgronline.com/live/detail/9490000067781) from the original on 1 May 2026. Retrieved 18 December 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Boonplod, Vorachet (13 March 2025). ["การคำนวณปรากฏการณ์ดวงอาทิตย์และดวงจันทร์ตกผ่านเสาชิงช้า กรุงเทพมหานคร"](https://thaiastro.nectec.or.th/skyevent/article/giantswing-sunset/). *Thaiastro* (in Thai). Retrieved 27 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ThammaThai "WatSuthat" Retrieved 19 October 2013, [\[1\]](http://www.dhammathai.org/watthai/bangkok/watsutat.php), 2013

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Travel "PaiWaiSarnJaoPorSeu" Retrieved 19 October 2013, [\[2\]](http://travel.kapook.com/view8796.html), 2013

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ศาลเจ้าพ่อเสือ Retrieved 17 April 2017, [\[3\]](http://chaoporseua.blogspot.com/), 2017

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [เดินเล่น "เสาชิงช้า" ชมย่านเก่า-สะดือเมืองกรุงเทพ](https://mgronline.com/travel/detail/9560000034732). *[ASTV Manager](/source/ASTV_Manager)* (in Thai). 22 March 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250825111748/https://mgronline.com/travel/detail/9560000034732) from the original on 25 August 2025. Retrieved 19 November 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** เทวสถาน Retrieved 17 April 2017, [\[4\]](https://web.archive.org/web/20171122092015/http://www.devasthan.org/newweb/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%96%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2), 2017

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Trok Mor morning market"](https://www.travelfish.org/eatandmeet_profile/thailand/bangkok_and_surrounds/bangkok/bangkok/2940). *Travelfish*. 13 August 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["กทม.จัดบวงสรวงใหญ่34ปี"พระวิษณุ""](https://siamrath.co.th/n/1449) [BKK organized a large tribute for 34 years”Lord Vishnu”]. *Siam Rath* (in Thai). 17 August 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["วัดเทพมณเฑียร เสาชิงช้า วัดฮินดูที่คนโสดสายมูควรไปขอพรเรื่องหัวใจ"](https://travel.kapook.com/view268403.html). *Kapook.com* (in Thai). 25 July 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** M. E. Manickavasagam Pillai (1986). [*Dravidian Influence in Thai Culture*](https://books.google.com/books?id=soFCAAAAYAAJ). Tamil University. p. 69.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Upendra_1986_13-0)** Upendra Thakur (1986). [*Some Aspects of Asian History and Culture*](https://books.google.com/books?id=m42TldA_OvAC&pg=PA27). Abhinav. pp. 27–28. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-7017-207-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-7017-207-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Norman Cutler (1979). [*Consider Our Vow: Translation of Tiruppāvai and Tiruvempāvai Into English*](https://books.google.com/books?id=2fMOAAAAMAAJ). Muttu Patippakam. p. 13.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Giant Swing, Sao Chingcha subdistrict, Bangkok](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Giant_Swing,_Sao_Chingcha_subdistrict,_Bangkok).

- Geographic data related to [Giant Swing](https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/178353988) at [OpenStreetMap](/source/OpenStreetMap)

- [Information from the Bangkok Tourism Division](https://web.archive.org/web/20130327163733/http://bangkoktourist.com/theme_6/attraction_detail.asp?lang=en&id_attraction_detail=35)

- [Newspaper article on the 2005 restoration](https://web.archive.org/web/20070227234509/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/page.arcview.php?clid=2&id=114548&date=2005-04-17)

- [Brahminism in Thailand](https://web.archive.org/web/20090623224317/http://brahmin.siamfoundation.org/thai/?page_id=242)

- [2Bangkok on the 2005 renovation](https://web.archive.org/web/20050505232803/http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/giantswing.shtml)

v t e Tourist attractions in Bangkok Places of worship Buddhist temples (Wats) Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) Wat Bowonniwet Wat Champa Wat Chana Songkram Wat Hong Rattanaram Wat Ko Wat Kalayanamitr (Big Buddha) Wat Mahathat Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen Wat Pathum Khongkha Wat Pathum Wanaram Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) Wat Prayurawongsawat Wat Rakhangkhositaram Wat Ratchabophit Wat Ratchaburana (Wat Liap) Wat Ratchanatdaram Wat Ratchapradit Wat Saket (Golden Mount) Wat Suthat (Giant Swing) Wat Suwannaram Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha) Wat Yannawa Churches Holy Rosary Church Assumption Cathedral Holy Redeemer Church Immaculate Conception Church Santa Cruz Church Other religious buildings Bang Luang Mosque (Kudi Khao) Devasathan Erawan Shrine Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha) Guan Yu Shrine Guanyin Shrine Kian Un Keng Shrine Lak Mueang (City Pillar Shrine) Leng Buai Ia Shrine Mariamman Temple Tiger God Shrine Ton Son Mosque Wat Dibayavari Vihara (Kham Low Yi) Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Leng Noei Yi) Wat Bamphen Chin Phrot (Yong Hok Yi) Palaces Bang Khun Phrom Palace Devavesm Palace Dusit Palace Grand Palace Phaya Thai Palace Suan Pakkad Palace Thonburi Palace Museums and cultural performances Ban Bu Community Bangkok Aquarium Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Bangkok Folk Museum Bangkok National Museum Bank of Thailand Museum Ban Mo Wan ChangChui Creative Park Coin Museum Jim Thompson House Khlong Bang Luang Artist House King Prajadhipok Museum Lhong 1919 Madame Tussauds Bangkok M.R. Kukrit's House Museum of Contemporary Art Museum Siam Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World Siam Commercial Bank, Talat Noi Branch Silpa Bhirasri National Museum Siriraj Medical Museum So Heng Tai Mansion Thailand Cultural Centre National Gallery National Museum of Royal Barges Markets and malls Asiatique Central Embassy CentralWorld Chatuchak Weekend Market Emporium EmQuartier Gaysorn Village Iconsiam Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market Khlong Toei Market Kwan Riam Floating Market MBK Center Nang Loeng Market Pak Khlong Talat Market (Flower Market) Pantip Plaza Patpong Night Market Pattavikorn Market Pratunam Market (Clothing Market) River City Shopping Complex Sampheng Samyan Mitrtown Saphan Han (Toys and Ladies Market) Siam Center Siam Discovery Siam Paragon Siam Square Soi Lalai Sap Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadaphisek Talat Phlu Talat Rotfai Taling Chan Floating Market Terminal 21 Tha Din Daeng Thonburi Market (Sanam Luang II) Trok Mo Market Wang Lang Market Yodpiman River Walk Bridges, streets and transport facilities Bangkok railway station (Hua Lamphong) Bhumibol Bridge (Mega Bridge) BTS Skytrain Captain Bush Lane Chaloem La 56 Bridge (Elephant's Heads Bridge) Charoen Krung Road Dinso Road Don Mueang Airport Khaosan Road Krungthep Bridge Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Krung Thon Bridge (Sang Hi Bridge) Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge Memorial Bridge (Phut Bridge) MRT Odeon Circle Patpong Rama VIII Bridge Ram Buttri Road Ratchadamnoen Avenue Royal Plaza Utthayan Road (Axis Road) Areas and neighbourhoods Ban Khrua Ban Lao Bang Lamphu Yaowarat (Chinatown) Dusit Hua Takhe Kudi Chin Nana (Little Arabia) Phahurat (Little India) Pratunam Rattanakosin Island (Old Town Zone) Royal City Avenue (RCA) Sam Phraeng Silom Soi Cowboy Talat Noi Tha Chang Tha Phra Chan (Amulet Market) Tha Tien Thonburi Thong Lo Wang Burapha Parks and gardens Benchasiri Park Benjakitti Park Chak Phupha Su Maha Nathee Park Chatuchak Park Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park Lumphini Park Nagaraphirom Park Princess Mother Memorial Park Queen Sirikit Park Rommaninat Park Sanam Luang Santichaiprakarn Park Suan Luang Rama IX Suan Luang Rama VIII Wachirabenchathat Park World Siam Stadium Sport venues Indoor Stadium Huamark Lumpinee Boxing Stadium National Stadium Rajadamnern Stadium Rajamangala Stadium Bangkok Arena Monuments and memorials Democracy Monument Equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn Giant Swing Pig Memorial and Pi Kun Bridge Victory Monument Wongwian Yai Skyscrapers and architectural buildings Baiyoke Tower II Bangkok City Library Customs House Drum Tower and Clock Tower Fortifications of Bangkok General Post Office King Power MahaNakhon Ministry of Defence headquarters Other Pata Zoo Safari World Siam Park City

[13°45′7″N 100°30′5″E / 13.75194°N 100.50139°E / 13.75194; 100.50139](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Giant_Swing&params=13_45_7_N_100_30_5_E_type:landmark_region:TH-10)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Giant Swing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Swing) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Swing?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.