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Attractions & Activities: The Grand Palace & Nearby Sights
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Lak Muang (City Pillar Shrine)
The "City Pillar," northeast of the Grand Palace complex, near the Defense Department Building, is a small but important and delightful shrine, said to be inhabited by the spirit that protects Bangkok. Rama I erected a wooden pillar--probably following the Hindu custom of installing a lingam (phallus), a symbol of Shiva--to mark the heart of his new city. During the reign of Rama V the site was improved and other idols erected. Lak Muang was recently renovated, and though it isn't on most tourist itineraries, countless locals come in supplication and with offerings for the guardian deity. Some pay professionals to dance in homage or thanks, and you can often see beautiful young women in ornate costumes performing classical lakhom chatrii, usually a little before noon.
Sanam Chai Rd.
Open: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm.
Free admission.
About a quarter mile northeast of the Grand Palace on the southeast corner of Sanam Luang.
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 denotes a Frommer's Favorite
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