Wat Suthat

The Giant Swing is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Bangkok. Its minutely detailed frescoes are unique in their use of Western-style painting techniques and perspective. Of special note are the gilded door panels and the four entry gates to the cloistered courtyard, all intricately carved by hand. The giant swing that stands at the entrance was erected in 2004 to replace the original, built in 1784. Carved from Thai golden teak, it consists of two red-painted pillars rising to 21m, crowned with an elaborately hand-worked crossbar.