Rating: 3.8/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Generally accessible all day (this is an outdoor public area; recommended visit time is 08:00 – 18:00 for comfortable weather and better light)

 

King Nangklao Monument (Rama III) is one of those “Old Bangkok” stops that gives you both history and a very living-city vibe in the same frame. The monument sits at the Royal Ceremonial Pavilion area on the Ratchadamnoen corner, close to Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat). That makes it easy to pay respect, enjoy the surrounding architecture, and then continue your day toward Dinso Road – Lan Luang – Golden Mount without feeling like you’re hopping across the city.

 

According to the construction information, this monument was built in 1990, with the Fine Arts Department overseeing the project. It is a bronze cast statue seated on a throne, in a large scale (roughly about half life-size, based on the site’s commonly cited description). The surrounding landscaping is arranged with decorative flowers and plants, so the overall look feels dignified without overpowering the atmosphere of the historic district. That’s why many visitors like it as a “short stop that still feels complete” — respectful, visually strong as a sculpture, and naturally connected to a walkable old-town route.

 

Another interesting layer is the setting around it. The same area includes a royal pavilion used by His Majesty the King for receiving state guests, and there are three sala rai (open-sided pavilions) nearby. Together, this creates a picture of a “ceremonial city space” that still coexists with everyday life. People pass through and you can sense both the formal character of the place and the friendly, open feel of the surroundings that link to nearby temples and attractions.

 

If you want to make the visit feel worthwhile, a popular approach is to frame the monument with the architectural backdrop of Rattanakosin. Early morning is great for soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon to just before sunset often brings out stronger shadows and depth on the bronze casting. Photos tend to look “old town, but not old-fashioned” — classic, yet still full of the street-life energy around you.

 

For those who enjoy a walkable itinerary, try treating the day like a story: start here to set the tone with city history, then walk to Loha Prasat and Wat Ratchanatdaram. After that, head toward Dinso Road for well-known local eats, or move up to Golden Mount (Wat Saket) to get a different old-town view. If museums are your thing, you can also slot in Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall or Museum Siam as an easy “brain break” without leaving the area.

 

Getting There If you’re coming by rail, a common option is the MRT, then a short taxi or bus ride into the Ratchadamnoen – Loha Prasat area. The last stretch is walkable, but heat and time often make a short connection ride more practical. If you’re using buses, look for routes that pass Ratchadamnoen – Lan Luang – Dinso. If you’re driving, allow extra time for traffic and parking, especially on weekend evenings or when there are events around the historic civic areas.

 

Visitor etiquette: dress respectfully, avoid climbing on the base or any architectural elements, and help keep the area clean. After rain, take care on potentially slippery surfaces across the plaza and walking paths, so your visit stays safe and considerate for everyone sharing the space.

 

 

A: It is at the Royal Ceremonial Pavilion area on the Ratchadamnoen corner, in front of / near Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat) in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.

 

A: Early morning for softer light and fewer crowds, or late afternoon before sunset when the bronze casting gains more depth and the old-town atmosphere looks especially good.

 

A: A large-scale bronze statue seated on a throne, landscaped with ornamental flowers and plants, and positioned so you can easily continue to Loha Prasat – Dinso Road – Golden Mount within the same outing.

 

A: Walk to Loha Prasat and Wat Ratchanatdaram first, then choose Dinso Road for food, or Wat Saket (Golden Mount) if you want a classic old-town viewpoint.

 

A: Dress respectfully, avoid climbing on the base or surrounding structures, keep the area clean, and watch for slippery surfaces on the plaza and paths after rain.