Royal Clock Tower
A replica of Siam's first clock tower, standing near Wat Pho as a tribute to King Rama IV's modernizing vision.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Royal Clock Tower
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Royal Clock Tower.
Why go, and how to do it well
Standing on Sanam Chai Road in the heart of Bangkok's historic district, the Royal Clock Tower is a striking white, European-style landmark that carries significant historical weight. It is a replica of the original tower — widely recognized as the first clock tower in Siam — which was built at the royal initiative of King Rama IV, who sought to bring Siam into closer alignment with the civilized world of its time. The tower is located adjacent to Wat Pho and near the Ministry of Defense, placing it among some of Bangkok's most historically layered surroundings.
Visitors can expect a photogenic and quietly atmospheric stop rather than a large-scale attraction. The tower's elegant white facade stands out against its surroundings, and the area offers pleasant views that make it a convenient addition to any walk through the Rattanakosin old city district. Reviewers consistently describe it as beautiful and easy to visit, making it well suited to those exploring the neighborhood on foot.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Tours that include Royal Clock Tower
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Royal Clock Tower.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Royal Clock Tower, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 2 minWat PhoTemples & Culture · 180 m · 4.7★
- 3 minMuseum SiamTemples & Culture · 280 m · 4.5★
- 4 minSanam Chai MRT StationTransportation · 310 m · 4.7★
- 4 minNusaraRestaurants & Food · 330 m · 4.5★
- 4 minWat Pho Thai Traditional Massage SchoolWellness & Spas · 350 m · 4.5★
- 4 minBaan 21 Thai MassageWellness & Spas · 350 m · 4.9★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Royal Clock Tower, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
The Royal Clock Tower (Replica) Today The white, European-style clock tower we see standing on Sanam Chai Road (next to Wat Pho and the Department of Territorial Defense) today is not the original tower from the reign of King Rama IV. It is a "replica Royal Clock Tower" that was newly constructed. Year Built: Constructed in 1982 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Bangkok. Architecture: Designed by Dr. Sumet Chumsai Na Ayutthaya, based on the original clock tower from the reign of King Rama IV. It is a tall, square tower with a pointed spire and clock faces on all four sides. Significance: It stands alongside the Drum Tower, commemorating the evolution of timekeeping in Thailand from the era of "drum beating" to the era of "clocks." Actual Clock: The clock mechanism from the Phuwadontatsanai Throne Hall, which was dismantled during the reign of King Rama V, is currently preserved and displayed at the National Museum, Bangkok.
The beautiful white European-style royal clock tower currently visible on Sanam Chai Road (next to the Ministry of Defence) is a replica of the original tower. It was built to commemorate the astronomical prowess of King Rama IV and serves as a symbol of past technological advancement.
Beautiful
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 62 reviews on Google.
น.1 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 5-minute walk of Royal Clock Tower.
Wat Pho
Museum Siam
Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram
Pi Kun Bridge
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Royal Clock Tower: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Royal Clock Tower worth visiting?
Royal Clock Tower holds a 4.5★ rating from 62 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of Royal Clock Tower?
Royal Clock Tower is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Royal Clock Tower?
The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).
Where is Royal Clock Tower located?
Royal Clock Tower is at น.1 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
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