The Chang Rong Si Bridge, with its distinctive dog-headed sculptures, is a historical landmark in Bangkok, bridging the old city moat and telling a story of elephants, rice and a royal restoration. As we stand before it, imagining the bustling trade that once thrived here, we can almost hear the clip-clop of elephants’ hooves crossing the bridge. The bridge was once a wooden structure, built for elephants returning from war, a testament to the city’s rich history. Its name, Chang Rong Si, reflects the bridge’s location near a rice mill, where elephants carried sacks of rice after their service. The bridge, however, is more than just a path for elephants. In 1910, King Chulalongkorn’s son, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, restored it to its current form, showcasing the bridge’s historical importance. The dog-headed sculptures, symbolizing the year of the dog in the Chinese zodiac, add a unique touch to the bridge’s design. From the bridge, we can see the imposing Ministry of Defense, giving us a glimpse into the bridge’s strategic location within the city. Today, the Chang Rong Si Bridge remains a symbol of Bangkok’s past, a reminder of the city’s connection to elephants and its long history.
Garuda Museum
Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda