The Lak Muang of Bangkok - Bangkok visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'The Lak Muang of Bangkok' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Central Thailand.

Every city in Thailand has a shrine in which there is a City Pillar, or lak muang. The pillar is the home for the spirits of the city.

The Lak Muang, or City Pillar, in Bangkok is a pillar that is said to provide a home for the spirits of the city. Most cities in Thailand have their own lak muang shrine. The Lak Munag of Bangkok is the home of spirits of the city of Bangkok.

The Lak Muang in Bangkok was erected at 6:45am on April the 21, 1782. This was determined as the auspicious time for the founding of the new capital city of Thailand when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok.

The lak muang of Banbkok is the home for the gods Phra Seua Muang, Phra Song Muang and Phra Lak Muang. It is carved from a 4m trunk of a laburnum tree and topped with a lotus shaped crown. The phallic pillar is covered in gold leaf and the horoscope for Bangkok made at the time of the founding of the city is contained inside.

The lak muang fell into some disrepair, but the shrine and surrounding gardens were renovated in 1982 to mark the bicentenary of the founding of Bangkok. Beside the lak muang of Bagkok in this shrine is a second, larger, lak muang of Thonburi, which was moved here when this district became incorporated into greater Bangkok.

As the home for the spirits of Bangkok, the lak muang is considered the center of the city and many people come here daily to worship the spirits that reside here. Some will also hire traditional Thai dancers as this is considered to bring good luck.

The Lak Muang is next to the Ministry of Defense and just opposite the Grand Palace. The spires of Wat Phra Kaeo can be seen over the walls of the palace. Near here also is Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha.

Travel information about the sights and attractions in Bangkok from PanoramicEarth.com. Panoramic images and pictures linked to an interactive Bangkok map showing where the attractions, temples and markets in Bangkok may be found as you plan your holiday.