Altalena Gigante
Bangkok
The Giant Swing is one of the city's oldest symbols. Its two red poles, more than 20 metres tall, stand among the low houses and temples of the old centre.
An ancient symbol
The Giant Swing was built at the end of the 18th century (the 1700s). The city had been founded only a few years before. It was used for an ancient Hindu ceremony; the swing has not been used for many decades.
Over time it has been repaired and rebuilt several times. Yet it has always stayed in the heart of the old city. It is one of the most photographed places in the centre.
What to see from outside
From the square, look at the two red poles, straight and smooth. Below them, shorter poles hold them up on a wide base.
Behind, you can see the pointed roofs of a large temple. All around, the old shophouses are more than a hundred years old.
Whole trunks from the north
In 2007 the old poles were worn out by sun and rain. They were remade with huge whole trunks brought from the north of the country.
A square for everyone
In front of City Hall lies Lan Khon Mueang, the city's public square. It is a public space, open to everyone, and one of the few large open spaces in the old city.
