Central Ratchadamnoen Avenue
Bangkok's Champ Elysees,

Ratchadamnoen Avenue, linking the Grand Palace to the royal palaces in Dusit Garden, was built in 1899 during the reign of King Rama V. It was during this reign that the royal residence moved from the Grand Palace to the Vimanmek Mansion in Dusit Garden.

The avenue is divided into the inner (nai) Ratchadamnoen Avenue nearer the Grand Palace, the central (klang) and outer (nok) stretch nearer to the Dusit end.

Central Ratchadamnoen is lined with cafes, restaurants, and government buildings, broad sidewalks and park benches. This avenue, which is one of the more pleasant places to take a walking tour of old Bangkok, has seen three major political upheavals in the last 30 years.

Start your tour from the Democracy Monument at the junction of Central Ratchadamnoen and Dinso Road. Marvel at the grandeur of the Italian sculptor, Corrado Feroci's creation towering above the traffic. Then stroll down the broad avenue decorated with ornamental street lamps towards Sanam Luang.

The sidewalk is lined with lottery ticket vendors selling tickets in various lucky combinations including 24, capitalizing on the symbolism of the date 24 July 1932 when Thailand changed to a constitutional government.

About 300 m on the left just before junction with Tanao Road is the 14 October 1973 Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the October 1973 Revolution.

Stop at any of the sidewalk cafes for a drink or take a rest on one of the many park benches under the shade. Or proceed on for lunch at the Royal Hotel at the end of the avenue, which played a vital role during the Black May demonstrations in 1992.

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To return to the Democracy Monument.