Address: Banglamphu Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200
Directions: Bus No. 3, 32, 68, 506 (air-con); Bus No. 6, 9, 15 ,19, 30, 33, 39, 53, 64, 65, 68, 82; Chao Phraya Express Boat: Phra Athit Pier
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: daily from 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
Information:
Phra Sumen Fort was built on what is now the north end of Phra Athit Road running a longside the Chao Phraya River and was one of the first 14 Forts constructed on the outer wall. The surrounding area is now a public park with views over the Chao Phraya River. The other remaining Fort of the original 14 is Fort Mahakan.
These walls were started in 1782 and ran parallel to the Chao Phraya River as it is today and was 7 kilometers long, 3.6 metres high and 2.7 meters think. At every 400 meters there was a fort complex and in total it had 63 gates although 47 of these were very narrow entrances. Most of these forts and the walls were subsequently removed as the city expanded and threats of Burmese invasion ceased. Similarly war frare become such with advanced canons that they become ineffective in protecting the population behind them. The modern beneit of being a tourist attraction was never contemplated, as is the case in Beijing and other great fortified cities. Part of the wall and a canon and other artifacts can be seen in the outdoor museum in the grounds of Bangkok's Thammasart University adjacent to the Chao Phrao River Bank.
Wichayen Fort as it was first named was constructed during the reign of King Narai. There was also another fort on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. At times these two Forts were joined by a metal chain which crossed the river just below the water level to prevent unauthorised vessels traveling upstream and in land.
Address: Bamrung Muang Road Sao Chingcha Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200