Things to do in Sao Chingcha

While Bangkok has become an urban metropolis with conveniences that rival the world’s most modern cities, there are still pockets that still have that old Bangkok charm that captured the hearts of many visitors. One of those pockets is Sao Chingcha, a district named after its iconic Giant Swing.

Here are 9 things to do in Sao Chingcha that highlight the area’s vintage charm.

– Places to visit in Sao Chingcha –

1. The Giant Swing: Iconic Brahmin structure


Image credit: @toeyiizer

If you’re a visitor to the Sao Chingcha subdistrict, you can’t possibly consider not visiting its namesake. 

The Giant Swing, called Sao Chingcha in Thai, is an old Brahmin structure built in 1784 during the reign of King Rama I. The structure used to be the site of the swing ceremony, Triyampawai, from a Hindu epic, until it was discontinued due to safety concerns.

The Giant Swing that can be seen today was rebuilt in 2007. 

Address: 239 Dinso Rd, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 | Google Maps

2. Sarn Choa Po Seu (Tiger God Shrine): One of Bangkok’s oldest Chinese shrines


Image credit: @d_manikin_sill_z

The Tiger God Shrine, called Sarn Choa Po Seu in Thai, is one of the oldest Chinese shrines in Thailand. 

The shrine was built in 1834 on Bamrungmuang Road but moved during the reign of King Rama V to its present location on Tanao Road. 

You’ll find the shrine very busy, especially during the Chinese holidays. Locals will pray to the Tiger God, Guan Yu, and Ma Zu for good luck and protection. 

Even if you’re not there for praying purposes, the shrine is home to some of the oldest artifacts in Thailand that are worth seeing. 

Address: 468 Thanon Tanao, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: 5am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +66 8 5147 8962

3. Devasthan: Brahmin-Hindu shrine


Image credit: @nok_py

Devasthan is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Thailand. It is also the site for a lot of the royal Brahmin ceremonies like the swing ceremony. 

The temple has shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. 

When praying at this temple, you should pray in the worshipping sequence outlined by the temple. Otherwise, it’s said that you will be unable to receive blessings. The order is to go to Ganesha’s shrine first, followed by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva Lingam, and then finally Shiva. 

There are also museum exhibits that tell the story of Thailand’s history of Brahmin practices.

There are also some rules when you’re inside the shrines. These include not lighting candles or incense, no photos or videos, no phone calls, no hats, no shoes, no food or drink, and most importantly, no channeling spirits. 

Address: 268 Dinso Rd, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: 9am-4.30pm, Daily
Contact: +66 2222 6951| Devasthan’s Facebook | Google Maps

4. Wat Suthat: Buddhist temple with beautiful murals


Image credit: @por_goethe

Wat Suthat is a large Buddhist temple that is located next to the Giant Swing. Its construction began during the reign of King Rama I and has hints of early Rattanakosin-era architecture. 

Due to its close proximity to the Giant Swing, locals will sometimes call it Wat Sao Chingcha as well. 

One notable Buddha image is in the Viharn, the hall used by monks to conduct their duties. That particular image is a Sukhothai-era Buddha image that was moved from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai. 

There are also incredibly beautiful murals within the halls. These murals tell the story of Buddhist teachings. 

Address: 146 Bamrung Mueang Rd, Wat Ratchabophit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: 8.30am-9pm, Daily
Contact: +66 2622 2819 | Google Maps

– Where to eat in Sao Chingcha –

5. Kope Hya Tai Kee: Breakfast cafe with Thai coffee and eggs in a pan


Image credit: @jum_sunday

If you’re looking for a great way to start your day, you can’t go wrong with Kope Hya Tai Kee. This Thai cafe was established in 1952 and is famous for its eggs in a pan. 

The cafe also prides itself on its Thai-style coffee blend. 

It is quite popular, so if you don’t arrive early, you may have to wait in line a bit. But the staff are fast, so you won’t be waiting long. 

Address: Siri Phong Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: 7am-8pm, Daily
Contact: +66 6 2678 3003 | Google Maps

6. Kor Panich: Bib Gourmand mango sticky rice


Image credit: @ola__mak

Although we’d usually recommend a dessert place for when you’re in need of a break, Kor Panich is special enough to warrant a visit on its own. With how long the lines are for this place, you’ll definitely have to plan your visit carefully. 

Once you have a taste, you’ll find both the hassle and the wait worth it. Kor Panich has been in the business of providing what’s widely considered some of the best mango sticky rice in the world since 1947. Since then they’ve won numerous awards including the Bib Gourmand and Thailand’s Shell Chuan Chim (เชลล์ชวนชิม).

Their mangos taste delicately sweet with hints of sourness. The sticky rice, grown in Chiang Rai, is soft and tender. Their coconut milk is served hot so that you can fully taste its sweet creaminess. 

Address: 431 433 Thanon Tanao, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: 7am-6pm, closed Sundays
Contact: +66 2221 3554 | Kor Panich’s Facebook | Google Maps

7. Rat Na Yot Phak 40 Years: Bib Gourmand noodles in gravy


Image credit: @tiger.golf

Contrary to the name, Rat Na Yot Phak 40 Years is a wee bit older than 40 years. The shop specializes in the very underappreciated dish rat na, which is stir-fried wide noodles in gravy. 

The rat na served here has also won many accolades, including the Bib Gourmand. With it being so close to many of the interesting religious sites in Sao Chingcha, this makes the shop a great place to stop at for some lunch to power up for the rest of the day. 

Address: 514 Thanon Tanao, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
Contact: +66 2622 1910 | Rat Na Yot Phak 40 Years’ Facebook | Google Maps

8. Ta Chai: Sukhothai-style noodles


Image credit: @asoke.channel

There are many types of Thai noodles, called Guay Tiew (ก๋วยเตี๋ยว). One type that you may not have tried is Sukhothai-style noodles which you can get in Sao Chingcha at the very affordable and popular Ta Chai. 

Sukhothai-style noodles have the same soup as Guay Tiew, but vastly different toppings. While shops will have their own spin, all the bowls you’ll find should have long beans, roasted peanuts, minced pork, and bean sprouts. 

At Ta Chai, you’ll also get char siu. Each bowl costs ฿50. 

Address: 119/1 Bamrung Mueang Rd, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: 6am-2pm, closed Sundays
Contact: +66 8 1564 1497 | Ta Chai’s Instagram | Google Maps

9. Phuthon Bar: Crispy charcoal-grilled buns with sweet fillings


Image credit: @pikyahoo

After a long day of walking and seeing old temples, nothing’s better than a sweet dessert. That’s why you should check out Phuthon Bar. 

Phuton Bar is a street food stall that sells charcoal grilled buns with sweet fillings. If you’re familiar with Mont Nom Sod, then this place will be right up your alley with the exception that they use buns and will toast them on hot charcoal right before serving. 

Address: 124 Phraeng Phuthon Rd, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-11pm (Closed Sundays)
Contact: +66 9 5118 8554 | Phuthon Bar’s Facebook | Google Maps

Experiencing Bangkok’s vintage charm in Sao Chingcha

Sao Chingcha is the perfect area to explore if you’re looking to see some hints of what Bangkok was like before it became the urban jungle it is today.

Make sure you check out the beautiful temples and old restaurants in the area.

Other guides to Thailand worth checking out:

Cover image adapted from: @chitisun_a_p, @ola__mak, @por_goethe, and @pikyahoo   

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