Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha)

Overview

Sao Ching Cha (Giant Swing) is a 21.15-metre tall red teak swing frame standing in front of Wat Suthat in the old city. Once the centrepiece of a death-defying Brahmin ritual, it is now a striking landmark and photo opportunity.

Highlights

• Structure: The current swing dates from a 2007 restoration using six massive golden teak logs — the originals, erected in 1784, had deteriorated.
• Wat Suthat: The adjacent temple houses one of the largest and most beautiful viharn (assembly halls) in Bangkok.

History

The swing was used in an annual Brahmin ceremony where teams would swing to great heights trying to grab a bag of gold coins suspended from a bamboo pole. The ceremony was abolished in the 1930s due to multiple fatalities.

Visitor Tips

• Quick stop: Combine with a visit to Wat Suthat directly behind it.
• Photography: Best photographed from the streets to the east in the late afternoon light.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.