City Walls and Fortresses Tour - Bangkok Thailand 2022

The fortifications of Bangkok consist of several series of defensive structures built to protect the city during the late Ayutthaya to early Rattanakosin periods. The earliest structures were built when Bangkok was an outpost of Ayutthaya guarding entry to the Chao Phraya River during the 15th–16th centuries.

Modern day Bangkok was established in 1782 in an area now known as Rattanakosin Island. This was centered around the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The western and southern sides were already protected by the Chao Phraya River. So, a moat was dug along the northern and eastern sides in 1785 by prisoners of war. This created an artificial island. This moat is now known as Banglampu Canal in the north and Ong-Ang Canal in the east.

A city wall, measuring 7.2 kilometers long was then built along the moat together with 14 forts and 16 tower gates. Only two of these forts and a section of wall survive today. In 1852, the population of the city had grown so much that King Rama IV ordered the building of Phadung Krung Kasem Canal to serve as an outer moat. In addition, eight new forts were built, though this time no wall was constructed. Only the remains of one of these forts remain.

Only Phra Sumen, Mahakan, Wichaiprasit and parts of Pong Patchamit Forts have survived.

Almost all of the walls and defensive structures have been demolished and the bricks were reused as roads but what is remaining is still impressive. I would’ve loved to have been able to walk around the city on the walls but those days are long past.

Enjoy the video!

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