Democracy Monument

The basics

The monument—which occupies a massive traffic circle—is filled with numerological significance. It is encircled by 75 cannons (according to the Buddhist calendar, the Siamese Revolution occurred in the year 2475), and each of the protective wings is 24 meters tall to represent the date—the 24th of June—that the coup d’état took place. The Democracy Monument is a popular stop on tours of Bangkok's historic city center, though group tours are more likely to drive by than to stop for a proper visit.

Things to know before you go

• Take care when crossing to the monument, as it’s in the middle of a traffic circle and there’s no crosswalk.
• The Democracy Monument has shallow steps; while you should be able to manage with a stroller, wheelchair users may find access difficult.
• The monument is often used as a rallying point for protestors, so it's wise to check the local news before you go.

How to get there

Democracy Monument is located in Phra Nakhon, near many of the city’s major tourist attractions. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket) and 20 minutes from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Both hop-on hop-off buses and city buses stop near the monument. For those taking the metro, the nearest MRT station is Sam Yot, a 15-minute walk away.

When to get there

Bangkok is most pleasant between November and March, when the weather is at its coolest and driest. The monument itself can be visited 24 hours a day and is particularly pretty at night when it's illuminated. While you’ll get the best photos if you come just before sunset, you’ll also be surrounded by traffic.

Visiting Wat Saket

If you're in the area, it's worth popping over to the nearby Wat Saket, often referred to in English as the "Temple of the Golden Mount." This landmark structure is known for its golden roof that towers into the sky and was, for a time, the highest point in the city. It remains a great spot to take in city views to this day.