Bangkok City Pillar Shrine
Bangkok City Pillar Shrine
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Phra Nakhon
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,013 within 3 miles
Attractions
574 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
144 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
54
Average
36
Poor
3
Terrible
0
BangkokSachse
Bangkok, Thailand52,112 contributions
Dec 2020
The Bangkok City Pillar Shrine is beautiful at sunset. Before visiting the Wat Phra Kaew (Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram), we went to the Shrine to make a wish for good fortunes. The Shrine is well maintained. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DH
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg616 contributions
Nov 2019
Located next to the Ministry of Defense and across thew street from Wat Phra Kaeo, this is a rather small but interesting and compared to Wat Phra Kaeo a really peaceful site.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
United Kingdom194 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
Entrance if free.
Very exposed this shrine so try and avoid seeing it in the heat of the day so go early or later on.
Well I have been to the grand palace on previous trips and because this attraction is small it does not feature on a lot of tourist maps but it is still there. You do not think of it because you have disembarked from the ferry and and are walking around the north east corner of the perimeter wall of the imperial palace just before you enter the grounds of the Imperial Palace.
This is a nice attraction but if I am honest is not a first tier attraction so if your time in Bangkok is very limited you will not come here. However it is just across 6/7 lanes of a traffic system that gyrates at a pace worthy of charioteers in Ceasar's day!
Mums and wheelchair users note the exposure, traffic and steps means that you should think twice about your motivation for coming.
The idea behind the shrine is that a much earlier king buried a pillar underground which is subsequently dug up and erected in a little shrine. Of course the pillar was enlarged by a later king so inside the little shrine are two pillars surrounded by 6 elephant tusks symbolising strength and Royalty and a small railing where people kneel and pray, rather like a communion rail in church. the Pillar is dedicated to a particular God who guards the city so originally it would have been located at the gate of a garrison perimeter wall to the old city.
Outside look up at the gables to the roof and there are the most exquisite tile (ceramic) portrayals of flowers.
There are surrounding police, they are relaxed here, some shops in an alley/mall and places to sit. Food and drinks available but at 5 pm the toilets were locked up and they did look utilitarian. Must be hard to compete with the facilities in the Imperial Palace.
Nearby in the enclosure there were 4 poles and you can buy and tie satin (I think) scarves around the poles. I believe you leave these as a permanent reminder to God of the prayers you made at the shrine.
Look for the metal railings and stucco wall in front of the Attorney General's office and just to the north of The Ministry of Defence(reminiscent of the Hermitage in St Petersburg)
The attractions location is opposite the Grand Palace at the junction of Thanon (street) Na Phra Lan and Thanon Saman Chai.
I did not drink or eat her but I would think the food and drink costs half that of the Imperial Palace and route back to the Ferry.
By the way I walked back across town (OK in the late afternoon) to Fort Makasan (25 minutes) where I took a water bus to BTS Ratchathewi.
Have a good time and remember to find somewhere quiet after the wonderful but exhausting time sightseeing in the Imperial Palace.
Bless you.
Chris.
Very exposed this shrine so try and avoid seeing it in the heat of the day so go early or later on.
Well I have been to the grand palace on previous trips and because this attraction is small it does not feature on a lot of tourist maps but it is still there. You do not think of it because you have disembarked from the ferry and and are walking around the north east corner of the perimeter wall of the imperial palace just before you enter the grounds of the Imperial Palace.
This is a nice attraction but if I am honest is not a first tier attraction so if your time in Bangkok is very limited you will not come here. However it is just across 6/7 lanes of a traffic system that gyrates at a pace worthy of charioteers in Ceasar's day!
Mums and wheelchair users note the exposure, traffic and steps means that you should think twice about your motivation for coming.
The idea behind the shrine is that a much earlier king buried a pillar underground which is subsequently dug up and erected in a little shrine. Of course the pillar was enlarged by a later king so inside the little shrine are two pillars surrounded by 6 elephant tusks symbolising strength and Royalty and a small railing where people kneel and pray, rather like a communion rail in church. the Pillar is dedicated to a particular God who guards the city so originally it would have been located at the gate of a garrison perimeter wall to the old city.
Outside look up at the gables to the roof and there are the most exquisite tile (ceramic) portrayals of flowers.
There are surrounding police, they are relaxed here, some shops in an alley/mall and places to sit. Food and drinks available but at 5 pm the toilets were locked up and they did look utilitarian. Must be hard to compete with the facilities in the Imperial Palace.
Nearby in the enclosure there were 4 poles and you can buy and tie satin (I think) scarves around the poles. I believe you leave these as a permanent reminder to God of the prayers you made at the shrine.
Look for the metal railings and stucco wall in front of the Attorney General's office and just to the north of The Ministry of Defence(reminiscent of the Hermitage in St Petersburg)
The attractions location is opposite the Grand Palace at the junction of Thanon (street) Na Phra Lan and Thanon Saman Chai.
I did not drink or eat her but I would think the food and drink costs half that of the Imperial Palace and route back to the Ferry.
By the way I walked back across town (OK in the late afternoon) to Fort Makasan (25 minutes) where I took a water bus to BTS Ratchathewi.
Have a good time and remember to find somewhere quiet after the wonderful but exhausting time sightseeing in the Imperial Palace.
Bless you.
Chris.
Written July 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ephyfe
Wilmington, DE664 contributions
Aug 2019
I wouldn’t have gone out of my way to see this but it’s right across the street from the grand palace. It’s not a major sight but it’s worth a peek if you have some extra time as it has historical significance. King Rama I had the Bangkok City Pillar raised on 21 April 1782. Also known as San Lak Muang, it saw erection when King Rama I shifted his capital from Thon Buri to Bangkok. In fact, the pillar served as the foundation stone of his newly established capital in Bangkok. The major problem with the shrine is that they had all the old flower devotions in a cart and there were bees all over the place because of that. We had to run for our lives from some of them.
Written August 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1william5555
Hummelstown, PA229 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
It is across from the emerald Buddha so it doesn’t get all the tourist. Mostly Thai’s visitors most doing traditional worship. Go if you want to see the true working Watt. Be respectful any ware you take your shoes off. Ask questions and if they speak English the will try to explain the worship process.
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrik_Kim
Bangkok, Thailand43 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Every day I want to spank tourists who return from a trip in the north of Thailand or from the southern islands, and say: "there is nothing to do in Bangkok"....
In fact, Any attraction found anywhere in Thailand, you can find in or around Bangkok.
Once I reveal to them few of the attractions located within walking distance from their hotel or in a short ride by metered taxi, they regret leaving such a short time for Bangkok.
Travelers who stay in or by Kaosan road are not aware to the fact that they are in the heart of the anciet city of Bangkok, within walking distance from many amazing attractions.
The ancient city is called Ko Rattanakosin (the island of Rattanakosin). It is in fact an island because it is seperated from the main land by a water canal. But most people won't notice the small bridges they cross with the taxi. Kaosan Rd. ends at Rachadamnoen Ave. This main street connects between the city of Bangkok to the Grand Palace, and ends at the Pinklao bridge over the Chaopraya river.
From Rachadamnoen, you ca walk to: Democracy monument, United Nations building, The Grand Palace, Wat Po (reclining Budha), Wat Saket (golden mountain), Wat Bowoniwet, China town, Sanam Luang (the Royal ground for ceremonies), Flower market (Pak Klong Talat), Memorial bridge, River piers,China Town, street markets, night bazaars and of course the 24/7 happy and busy on going celebration of Kaosan Rd. where you will hear all spoken languages from all over the world and very little Thai language.
In fact, Any attraction found anywhere in Thailand, you can find in or around Bangkok.
Once I reveal to them few of the attractions located within walking distance from their hotel or in a short ride by metered taxi, they regret leaving such a short time for Bangkok.
Travelers who stay in or by Kaosan road are not aware to the fact that they are in the heart of the anciet city of Bangkok, within walking distance from many amazing attractions.
The ancient city is called Ko Rattanakosin (the island of Rattanakosin). It is in fact an island because it is seperated from the main land by a water canal. But most people won't notice the small bridges they cross with the taxi. Kaosan Rd. ends at Rachadamnoen Ave. This main street connects between the city of Bangkok to the Grand Palace, and ends at the Pinklao bridge over the Chaopraya river.
From Rachadamnoen, you ca walk to: Democracy monument, United Nations building, The Grand Palace, Wat Po (reclining Budha), Wat Saket (golden mountain), Wat Bowoniwet, China town, Sanam Luang (the Royal ground for ceremonies), Flower market (Pak Klong Talat), Memorial bridge, River piers,China Town, street markets, night bazaars and of course the 24/7 happy and busy on going celebration of Kaosan Rd. where you will hear all spoken languages from all over the world and very little Thai language.
Written September 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aethelred
Cambridge, MA1,384 contributions
Apr 2022
The City Pilllar Shrine is lovely, but both for tourists and for devotees not from Bangkok, it is - in the best sense of the word - a secondary attraction. So, this is a great, relatively briefly-visited destination for those who have been in Bangkok a few times already and have seen the palace, Wat Pho, and the National Museum, just to talk abut the immediate neighborhood (which is somewhat stern, barren, and unforgiving).
The spiritual meaning of the pillars, as well as the other sanctuaries, are not easily understood by outsiders (much less than in a Buddhist what for instance), but it is a nice, very active place. The five Guardian Spirits include on the right Chao Chettakhup, in charge of bureaucracy and public administration. He is not often so accessible, and he also keeps the books of peoples' deeds upon which basis they are judged after death. Anyone with an issue with Thai or other bureaucracy may find it worthwile to make a little merit here...
The spiritual meaning of the pillars, as well as the other sanctuaries, are not easily understood by outsiders (much less than in a Buddhist what for instance), but it is a nice, very active place. The five Guardian Spirits include on the right Chao Chettakhup, in charge of bureaucracy and public administration. He is not often so accessible, and he also keeps the books of peoples' deeds upon which basis they are judged after death. Anyone with an issue with Thai or other bureaucracy may find it worthwile to make a little merit here...
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobjanh
Brisbane, Australia2,416 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
In an area with a remarkable range of well presented buildings, wats and memorial monuments, this shrine really stands out. Just a short walk from the Grand Palace it is worth visiting this location as part of your day out in the area.
Written October 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaushik G
Mumbai, India4,061 contributions
Dec 2018
We had visited this beautiful shrine during our vacation in Bangkok. This place is located right opposite Sanam Luang park and very close to the beautiful Wat Phra (Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace. Entrance to City Pillar shrine is free. Car parking can be a challenge here. There is a main temple and small ones surrounding it. The main temple has a golden colored pillar inside the temple and a beautifully carved tall tower with intricate designs all over the temple tower. This pillar has historical significance and was built when capital of Thailand was shifted to Bangkok by the ruling king.
Written October 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
429Happy
Chichester, UK5,504 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
What a treasure we have here. Loved the intricate design feature in this most humble and spiritual place. Do be careful with the wasps who are attracted to the fragrances laid out to the entrances to this shrine.
Written August 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi can someone please post the divination lot readings from the city pillar shrine here?
Written October 1, 2019
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing