Phra Sumen Fort, built in the reign of King Rama I, is the largest existing fortress of all 14 which now only two exist. The other is the Mahakan Fort. The large area was established as a public park on the occasion of the 6th cycle of King Rama IX on the December 5th, 1999. Entrance is free for all; prohibited areas are the fort itself (octagon shaped buildings with wall surrounding) and the Thai-style pavilion, which is for royal ceremonies.

Mahakan fort is situated on the banks of Rob Krung Canal, the second canal ring of Bangkok, along Maha Chai Road. The fort is part of the rings of forts defending the eastern wall of old Rattanakosin. Built during the reign of King Rama I, Fort Mahakan is similar in design to its counterpart, Fort Phra Sumen; two concentric rings of battlements with cannon; an observation tower in the center. The other similarity is the small park between the fort and the canal. The similarities end there.

Opposite Wat Suthat tower a pair of red teak pillars once used for the Brahmanic Ceremony of the swing, an annual festival which honored the earthly return of the Hindu god Shiva. Until being halted in 1935, teams of young Hindu priests would swing a full arch of 180 degrees and attempt to snatch a bag of gold coins between their teech. Some bit the gold, others bit the dust.

It is a complex of various old Thai structures that the American businessman Jim Thompson collected in from all parts of Thailand in the 1950s and 60s. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand.

As Thompson was building his silk company, he also became a major collector of Southeast Asian art, which at the time was not well-known internationally. He built a large collection of Buddhist and secular art not only from Thailand but from Burma, Cambodia and Laos, frequently travelling to those countries on buying trips.