Visit Santa Cruz Church (Bangkok)

If Thailand is overwhelmingly Buddhist, there are a few Christians and therefore churches in Thailand. In Bangkok, one of the best known is the Santa Cruz Church which is located in the Thonburi district, almost on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. It was built in 1770 during the reign of King Taksin by the descendants of the first Portuguese Catholics. Santa Cruz means the sacred cross. The Portuguese were the first Europeans in the Kingdom of Siam since a treaty signed with Ayutthaya to supply arms and ammunition in exchange for the right to reside, exchange and practice their religion in Thailand.

It is the whole district of Thonburi which is interesting and very different from the atmosphere found on the other bank of the river. Be sure to take a walk in the Khundijeen Community just to the right of the church, go see the museum and eat a khanom farang.