Fah Thai Magazine Jan-Feb 2020

OLD BANGKOK
Clockwise from Top
A stone guardian
looks out beneath
an ornate spire
at Wat Pho.
Museum Siam
stands at the exit
from Sanam Chai
station.
A cold drink at Eagle
Nest bar completes
the view of Wat Arun.
The grand interior of
Sanam Chai station.
SANAM CHAI MRT STATION: IN THE
HEART OF OLD BANGKOK
Designed by national artist Pinyo
Suwankiri, Sanam Chai MRT station is
a destination in itself. Stepping above
ground, it’s also nice to know you’re
not far from the Grand Palace, soaring
Buddhist temples and heritage buildings.
The platform is inspired by the Palace
throne hall and comes adorned with
ornate columns and motifs.
Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha
are about five minutes away on foot,
while the main entrance to the Grand
Palace and Temple of the Emerald
Buddha is a 20-minute stroll. If
you suspect these attractions will be
overcrowded, head out from Exit 2
to the temple of Wat Ratchabophit
to bathe in the tranquillity.
Inspired by the grand buildings that
King Rama V saw on his trip to Europe,
the chapel hall of Wat Ratchabophit
melds Gothic architecture with the
traditional Thai gable.
Sanam Chai MRT station
is a precious new gateway to
Bangkok’s heritage and cultural
landmarks, which could
previously only be reached via
unscrupulous tuk tuk and taxi
drivers. Now everyone can explore
the city’s palaces and temples
all day long. To end the day in
style, make a beeline for the Eagle
Nest Bar, a riverside watering
hole on Maha Rat Road. There,
watch Bangkok’s tallest pagoda
light up in the dark. The Temple of
Dawn is, ironically and magically,
more beautiful at night.
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