Phra Sumen Fort & Santichaiprakan Park

Beside Mae Nam Chao Phraya in Banglamphu stands one of Bangkok’s original 18th-century forts. Built in 1783 to defend against potential naval invasions and named for the mythical Mt Meru (Phra Sumen in Thai) of Hindu-Buddhist cosmology, the octagonal brick-and-stucco bunker was one of 14 city watchtowers that punctuated the old city wall alongside Khlong Rop Krung (now Khlong Banglamphu but still called Khlong Rop Krung on most signs). Apart from Mahakan Fort, this is the only one still standing. Alongside the fort is a small, grassy park with an open-air pavilion, river views, cool breezes and a bohemian mix of alternative young Thais and fisherman pants–wearing, fire stick–twirling backpackers. It’s an interesting place to sit, people-watch and see what are said to be the last two lampoo trees in Banglamphu.