Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious university is nestled in a leafy enclave south of busy Rama I.

The centrepiece of the campus is the promenade ground on the east side of Th Phayathai where a seated statue of Rama V (King Chulalongkorn; r 1868–1910) is surrounded by purple bougainvillea and offerings of pink carnations. The showcase buildings display the architectural fusion the monarch favoured, a mix of Italian revival and Thai traditional. The campus has a parklike quality, with noble tropical trees considerately labelled for plant geeks. Of the many species that shade the campus, the rain trees with their delicate leaves are considered symbolic of the university; they are commemorated in a school song, and their deciduous cycle matches the beginning and ending of each school year.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Chamchuri Art Gallery

0.25 MILES

This gallery, part of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Arts, emphasises modern spiritual themes and brilliantly coloured abstracts from emerging…

2. Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute

0.33 MILES

Founded in 1923, Asia's oldest snake farm gathers antivenom by milking snakes, injecting it into horses, and then harvesting and purifying the antigens…

4. Bangkok Art & Culture Centre

0.67 MILES

This large, modern building in the centre of Bangkok has become one of the more significant players in the city’s contemporary arts scene. As well as its…

5. Rama VI Statue

0.69 MILES

This statue at the southwestern entrance of Lumphini commemorates the founding emperor of the park, Rama VI.

6. Sea Life Ocean World

0.71 MILES

More than 400 species of fish, crustaceans and even penguins populate this vast underground facility. Diving with sharks (for a fee) is also an option if…

7. Wat Pathum

0.76 MILES

A low-key but beautiful Buddhist temple sandwiched between two of Bangkok's snazziest shopping malls.

8. Tang Contemporary Art

0.76 MILES

Bangkok’s primary venue for modern artists from China has edged its way to become one of the city’s top contemporary galleries. Check the website to see…