Sanam Luang (Royal Field)
- Just north of Wat Phra Kaew. Sanam Luang has been a place of central importance for the Thai people for centuries. Sanam Luang is Thai for royal ground, and it is the traditional site for royal cremations, and for the annual Ploughing Ceremony in which the king officially initiates the rice-growing season. The most recent ceremonial cremation took place here in March 1996, when the king presided over funeral rites for his mother. Before that the most recent Sanam Luang cremations were held in 1976, without official sanction, for Thai students killed in the demonstrations of that year. A statue of Mae Thorani, the earth goddess (borrowed from Hindu mythology's Dharani), stands in a white pavilion at the northern end of the field. Erected in the late 19th century by King Chulalongkorn, he statue was originally attached to a well that provided drinking water to the public.
- Before 1982, Bangkok's famous Weekend Market was regularly held at Sanam Luang (it's now at Chatuchak Park). Nowadays the large field is mostly used as a picnic and recreational area. A large kite compettion is held here during the kite-flying season (mid-February to April).
Sanam Luang is a hub for several bus lines, including Nos 30, 32, 47 and 53.
