Golden Mount and Wat Saket, Bangkok

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The Golden Mount is part of the Wat Saket temple located just outside the old royal city precincts, next to the Pom Mahakhan fort. The mount has a somewhat unusual history. It was started by King Rama III early in the 19th century, who wanted to build a large chedi on the site to mark the entrance to the city

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Golden Mount and Wat Saket

You can see all Bangkok from Golden Mount. Located in Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Very near is: Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan (Another important temple in Bangkok).


Information
Name: Golden Mount
Theme: Monument, view to Bangkok centre
Location: Near Ratchadaemnok road
City: Bangkok
Pictures in the web: Golden Mount and Wat Saket
Last Visit: September 2007


My Photos
First Photo: Golden Mount
Second Photo: Golden Mount
Third Photo: Entrance to Golden Mount
Fourth Photo: View of Bangkok from Golden Mount
Fifth Photo: View of Bangkok from Golden Mount

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Wat Saket sits on top of the Golden Mount which is not a natural outcrop, but an artificial hill. During the reign of King Rama III (1787–1851) the decision was made to build a chedi (stupa) of huge dimensions to add to the Wat Saket temple. However, the large chedi collapsed during the construction process because the soft soil beneath would not support it. The resulting mud-and-brick hillock was left alone for about half a century, taking the shape of a natural hill and becoming overgrown with weeds. Finally under King Rama IV, a small Chedi was built on the hilltop. This smaller structure was finished under King Rama V (1853–1910), when a Buddha relic from India was housed in the chedi. In the 1940s the surrounding concrete walls were built to prevent the hill from eroding.

Open: 8am-5pm. Admission: 20B.

Wat Saket is a temple with a golden Chedi know as the Golden Mount. It is a bit of a climb up the man made hill to the Golden Mount so prepare to sweat a little if you think it is worth it.The hill offers a nice view of Rattanakosin Island and the roof tops of the surrounding area.At night the mount is lit up and looks especially beautiful.
*Every November during Loy Kratong there is a large festival in the grounds of the temple,including a candle procession up the Golden Mount.This is very popular with the locals with lots of food stalls,games and fireworks.I went once and it was too crowded for my liking .Not a traffic jam but a people jam.However its a good chance to see a real down to earth Thai temple fair.

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Wat Saket or Golden Mount was once the highest point in Bangkok. This 80-meter tall artificial hill, also known as Phu Khao Thong, features an impressive golden chedi at its summit and is part of Wat Saket.

Wat Saket is not generally considered a notable temple in its own right, and most visitors come for the Golden Mount. However, it is interesting for its long history and its use as a cremation and burial site for so many people. To the reach the top of the Golden Mount, you must ascend an exhausting 318 steps. On a clear day, the view from the top includes old Rattanakosin Island and the rooftops of Bangkok. At north of Wat Saket is where you can catch canal boats back to the town center, Siam or further up Sukhumvit.

Be ware of any tuk-tuk drivers who tell you the Mount is closed for a holiday; they just want to take you to their brother's gem shop!

Hours: Daily 9-5
Cost: Entrance to wat and the Golden Mount is free; admission to the chedi is 10B

This was also a place our Tuk-Tuk driver said he would take us to and he did so as promised immediately. He pointed away through at a gate and said go through there and climb to the top and he would wait for us. So, here is a fact - it's 318 steps to get to the top. Sounds like a lot but climbing the Arc d'Triomphe was much worse. You do have some really great views from the top. Another fact - the temple served as the capital's crematorium in the late 18th century. Creep, huh?!

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Below the Golden Mount is one of Bangkok's oldest temples - the Wat Saket - which means Temple of the Washing of Hair. It is so named because King Rama I bathed here after coming from Laos victorious, before he proceeded to Thonburi to be crowned first king of the (current) Chakri dynasty.

Despite its highly historical origins, Wat Saket does not draw as many tourists as the adjacent Golden Mount does. It's a pity because the temple's interiors are designed with intricate murals while the exteriors are adorned with very fine carvings painted in gold and encrusted with crystals.

Monks were preparing for a ceremony when I visited Wat Saket, so it added to the whole experience to see monks at work.

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Built on an artificial hill under the directives of Rama III, the Golden Mount for years was Bangkok's tallest structure. Of course today, it's no match for skyscrapers that dot the skyline. It may have lost out to the modern buildings, but the temple, surrounded by lush gardens, still offers peace and serenity not just to devotees, but also to tourists. The sound of murmured prayers and scent of incense and candles heighten up the Golden Mount experience. It's one of the few places in Bangkok that offers respite from the stress of tourist crowds and street level noise and air pollution.

The 78-meter hill could be reached by winding stairway lined with shrines and bells and adorned with colorful flowers. The peak is crowned by a gilded chedi (bell-shaped relic chambers) said to contain a Buddha relic from India. The climb could be exhausting but it's well worth it - for the views and for the experience.

A 'donation' of 10 baht is requested of tourists and worshippers.

Golden Mount is worth visiting. From the top, you will be able to get a panoramic view of Bangkok city. I recommend to go there early in the morning as it can get quite hot later in the day. There is a buddha relic in the temple on top of the hill. It is a holy place for buddhists.

If you look down from the Golden Mount, you will notice that there is actually a large area of temple complex underneath. Wat Saket is more than just the Golden Mount. If you have time, you are welcome to visit the main temple complex.

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I visited the Golden Mount during a visit to Bangkok in September 2007.

The Golden Mount, once the highest point in Bangkok, stands above the small Wat Saket temple.

The Golden Mount is located in the Banglamphu region of the city. I walked there from the Grand Palace (20 – 25 minutes), but you can easily find a taxi or tuk tuk to take you there. The approach to the Golden Mount is along a picturesque palm tree lined driveway.

The climb to the summit is via a rather gentle spiral stone staircase. There are water features and lots of greenery to admire on the upward climb and close to the top there is a row of large bells that can be rung by those visiting for more religious purposes than I was.

There is no sign at the bottom advising of an entrance fee, so I climbed up not knowing how much it would cost to enter – but I knew it wouldn’t be very expensive. At the top, there is a donation box with a suggested donation of 10 Bahts to enter.

You must take off your shoes to enter the Golden Mount. Once inside, wou will find a small staircase that leads up to the roof terrace, with its large golden chedi (a sort of spire) and breathtaking views over the city.

For me, the panoramic views (and the chance to feel a refreshing breeze in an otherwise hot and humid city) are the main reasons for visiting the Golden Mount. You get a great view of the simple neighbourhoods lining the canals of Banglamphu just below the mount and, on the horizon, the high rise skyscrapers that have dwarfed the Golden Mount in recent decades. I spent a while admiring the views and watching dark storm clouds gather in the distance – but alas the rain never arrived!

As with many of the temples in Bangkok, you will find a souvenir kiosk inside the Golden Mount, selling postcards and other trinkets.

Breathtaking views of Bangkok from the Golden Mount!