Embark on a journey through the sacred grounds of Wat Saket in Bangkok, where history and spirituality converge.
Ascend the Golden Mount to find solace and enlightenment amidst breathtaking views of the city. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of this hidden gem, discovering ancient rituals and architectural wonders.
Whether seeking tranquility or cultural immersion, it offers a sanctuary for the soul, inviting visitors to explore its serene atmosphere and profound significance in the heart of Thailand’s capital.
Wat Saket in Bangkok Old Town is an Ayutthaya-era shrine with a shining gold Chedi or Stupa. This temple is also famous as “The Gold Mount Temple” because it justifies its infrastructure.
Nestled in the heart of Bangkok, Wat Saket stands as one of the city’s oldest temples, boasting the majestic Phu Khao Thong, or Golden Mountain. Erected during the reign of King Rama III, this 80-meter-tall manmade hill holds profound historical significance.
At its peak, a grand Chedi houses sacred relics of the Buddha, cherished treasures brought from India. Experience the reverence and tranquility of this ancient site, where spirituality meets awe-inspiring architecture in Thailand’s bustling capital.
It has mature trees on its grounds and you will find a main prayer hall having a typical Buddhist structure. This temple also has an ordination hall and a library.
To get to the top you have to climb 300 steps that encircle the chedi as a coiled snake.
Near the base of the steps is an unusual cemetery, and overgrown vine trees, where the ashes of numerous plague victims of the late 18th century are buried.
From the top of Wat Saket
Once you reach the top of The Gold Mount Temple, you will find yourself surrounded by a wall of bells and panoramas of Bangkok Old Town.
The temple hosts a temple fair in November annually, during Loy Krathong, the night of the 12th Thai full moon, which attracts a lot of tourists.
During this fair, the massive stupa is draped in a bright red cloth with a candlelit procession to the top of the Golden Mount, which marks the start of the week-long festival.
During the festival week, you can find colorful lanterns and decorative flags adding life to Wat Saket. Lots of food vendors, fairground games, and rides come into action for a week.
The best time to visit Wat Saket is in the early morning as the weather will be slightly cooler during the climb to the top.
Wat Saket opens at 8 in the morning and closes at 5 in the evening. Admission to the temple is free but you have to pay 50 Baht to climb the Chedi.
How to reach Golden Mount Temple, Bangkok:
1. Reach Wat Saket by BTS:
To reach your destination from Bangkok, take a BTS Sky Train from Asoke Station and get off at the National Stadium BTS Station.
Take a taxi from this BTS station to Wat Saket. The journey will take about 30 minutes.
2. Reach Wat Saket by taxi:
Getting a taxi is the best way to reach Wat Saket from Bangkok. The distance is just 1.1 km. You will reach Wat from Bangkok in about 5 minutes.
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