Wat Saket is an ancient temple which attracts many visitors to Bangkok looking to sample its historic culture. The Wat Saket temple is also noteworthy for the Golden Mount a huge structure which enables visitors to enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the whole of Bangkok. There is a small price to pay, though there are 318 steps to climb to get to the top!
The Golden Mount towers over the Wat Saket building, and can be seen long before you reach it. The Golden Mount is a burial site, which has historically been the tallest structure of any kind in the whole city. The temple of Wat Saket is located at the foot of the Golden Mount, and is notable for its huge standing Buddha statue.
While you ascend the breath-taking spiral staircase that leads you to the pinnacle of the Golden Mount, you’ll get to absorb some of the history of this incredibly ancient building. This was another historic building that was restored to prominence under the auspices of King Rama I. It was during the period of King Rama II, though, that the temple gained its historic resonance, when a mass plague in Bangkok led to a large number of deaths. This prompted the successor to King Rama to turn the site into a mass grave for the thousands who perished during this terrible chapter in Bangkok’s history. You can’t fail to be struck by the magnitude of what occurred here while ascending the spiral staircase.
The Golden Mount itself is characterised by a distinctive wall of bells and a striking conical tower, gilded with solid gold. When you reach the top, take a seat for a while and admire the spectacular view from this excellent vantage point, with the Chao Phraya River visible as it winds its way past another major landmark, the old Grand Palace.
One of the most popular events in this part of Bangkok is the nine-day Loy Krathong temple fair, which features a truly spectacular candlelit procession marking its opening. During the ceremony, pilgrims climb the hill to the chedi, which is covered with a red cloth for the duration of the procession.
Wat Saket is open every day, and entry is free, though there is a small fee to enter the chedi. The best way to travel is by taxi, though it is possible to arrive by boat.
