Rama V constructed Ratchadamnoen Avenue to serve as the main road between the Grand Palace and the Dusit Palace in 1899. It is modelled after the Champs Elysee in Paris and consits of three parts. The first part is Ratchdamnoen Nai (Inner Ratchadamnoen). The second one is Ratchadamnoen Klang (Middle Ratchadamnoen), and the third part is Ratchadamnoen Nok (Outer Ratchadamnoen). Along the avenue, there are interesting attractions to visit. These are Democracy Monument, the 14th Octorber Memorial, Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center and 14th octorber memorial.
In 1937, the Ratchadamnoen Klang buildings were constructed. The buildings’ architecture utilizes a quadrangle and circle, which are normally found in its contempararies.
Ratchadamnoen Avenue serves as Bangkok’s large open museum. Its collection reflects the history of Thailand in many aspects such as society, culture, and politic.
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Democracy Monument
Democracy Monument is the symbol of Thai democracy and located on the avenue. Here at the mornument is regards as “Kilometre Zero” of Bangkok which is rarely known by locals
Marshall Phibunsongkhram constructed the monument in order to commemorate the revolution of 1932. The monument has been an imprtant demonstration site many times.
The 14th Octorber Memorial
Another monument nearby is “the 14th Octorber Memorial located at Khok Wua intersection. The monument is dedicated to people who lost their lives in the student revolution in 14th October 1973.
Maha Chetsadabodin Pavillion Plaza
Maha Chetsadabodin Pavillion Plaza is another beautiful attraction located along Ratchadamnoen Avenue that is worth exploring. The plaza was constructed in 1989 to replace Sala Chalerm Thai (The Modern Thai Theatre).
It is the site of Rama III statue. Wat Ratchanatdaram and the Loha Prasat are visible from the plaza. Nearby, there is an ancient fort “Mahakan Fort‘ located. The fort is one of the two remaining fortes out of 15 forts built in Rama’s I reign.
Rama III statue
Mahakan Fort
Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara
Rama III constructed “Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara” in order to honour Princess Sommanas Watthanawadi, his grand daughter. The highlight of the temple is Thailand’s first and only “Loha Prasat”, a seven-stored reliquary constructed in Thai architecture and adorned with metal roof and 37 metal spires like its Sri Lankan counterpart.
Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium
Moreover, on Ratchadamnoen Nok, there is a famous boxing stadium called “Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium” located. This boxing stadium is built by Marshall Phibunsongkhram to be the first modern Thailand boxing arena The areana has been the avenue for many important Muay Thai and boxing matches. The arena’s font turns to be festive on Muay Thai match days due to growing attention from foreigners.
Another two attractions are Nitasrattanakosin, a modern museum that tells Bangkok history and Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center. You can read more about the museum in our Museum blog here.
Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center
Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center is operated by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) to be a venue for various artists to exibit their artwork as well as to provide space for newcomer artist, and serve as an education centre for children.
It is not only the site of exhibition but also a pace for various actrvities such as traditional performances, plays, art education programs for children, art programs for people.
Due to being located near Nitasrattanakosin, the museum and the art centre turn Ratchadamnen Klang Avenue to a new alternative for cultural tourism in Bangkok’s old town.
These attractions are worth to visit if you wish to explore offbeat Bangkok. The city has a lot more to offer and these attractions are certainly good to visit.