Wat Saket: The Temple of the Golden Mount in Bangkok188

Wat Saket: The Temple of the Golden Mount in Bangkok

The Bear Team 3 min read

When it comes to enjoying Thailand's best culture, nothing epitomizes the Land of Smiles like the stunning array of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) Temples. If you are in the city and are looking to find one of the most prestigious Buddhist temples in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), we recommend visiting the impressive Wat Saket temple. 

Wat Saket is also known as the Golden Mount / Golden Mountain, or by the Thais, as ‘Phu Khao Thong.’ It is known for its breathtaking 58-meter chedi, home to a Buddha relic that tourists can see all year round. The temple is a low-hill crowned building with a shining golden chedi that needs to be seen to be believed. 

Read on if you love visiting the great temples in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok)!

Golden Mount at Wat Saket surrounded by trees, Bangkok
Wat Saket directory map showing temple layout and attractions
Golden ant sculpture in trees at Wat Saket, Bangkok
Golden Mount Coffee shop entrance at Wat Saket

 

The Bear Travel   Did You Know?

Due to the cholera breakout, thousands died, and many were brought here for cremation. The vulture statues are a reminder of that grim period.

 

Stunning Bangkok Temples

Not only is Wat Saket open all year for tourists to explore, but it also hosts an annual festival in November that coincides with the fascinating Loy Krathong Festival. The temple grounds are extraordinarily scenic and enjoy mature trees, an ordination hall, a library, and some fantastic photo opportunities, so do not forget to get memorable snaps. 

 

Urban view of Bangkok from Wat Saket
Panoramic view of Bangkok city from the top of Wat Saket
Staircase to the top of Golden Mount, Wat Saket
Bangkok cityscape from Golden Mount with a blue flag
View of Bangkok from Golden Mount, Wat Saket with Thai flags
Monk walking at Wat Saket Golden Mount

 

The origins of this famous Bangkok temple go back to the Ayutthaya period between 1350 and 1767 AD. The temple and the grounds underwent renovations during the reign of King Rama I between 1782 and 1809, most of which remain intact today. Sat on a man-made hill, the Golden Mount at Wat Saket is a well-known landmark in the region and is still a sacred site today and is a pilgrimage site for some Buddhists. It takes 300 steps to get to the top of the hill, which wraps around the chedi like a winding snake, and although it might be a tough climb for some, it is straightforward if you avoid the midday sun at the peak of the summer months.

A mysterious cemetery sits at the bottom of the climb, with spooky overgrown trees and creepy vibes. After you reach the top of the hill, you will enjoy a wall of bells and majestic and panoramic views of the temple grounds and Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok). Some say that the temple was used as the central crematorium in the city in the late 18th century and was where over 60,000 plague victims were buried.

 

Tourists at Golden Mount, Wat Saket, Bangkok
Monk draping sacred cloth on a statue at Golden Mount, Wat Saket
Visitors praying at the Golden Mount in Wat Saket with Bangkok skyline in the background
Monk walking near the Golden Mount with Bangkok skyline in the background at Wat Saket
Red staircase walkway at Wat Saket with Bangkok skyline in the background
Guanyin statue surrounded by greenery at Wat Saket

 

The Bear Travel  Fun Fact!

The Golden Mount Temple fair is one of Bangkok's most anticipated festivals, dating back to ancient times of the Rattanakosin Period. The temple is brought back to life with a lot of activity, such as lighting and food stalls.


Temple Fair at Golden Mount

The Temple Fair occurs yearly at Golden Mount, usually in November, amidst the Loy Krathong Festival. This is one of the most colorful times to visit this stunning Bangkok temple as the chedi is covered in bright red cloths and has a candlelit procession directly to the chedi.

 

Stairway to Wat Saket’s Golden Mount surrounded by greenery
Ornate roof details at Wat Saket temple in Bangkok
Golden Buddha statue at Wat Saket temple in Bangkok
Wat Saket with tuk-tuks in front in Bangkok
Maha Nak Canal near Wat Saket in Bangkok
Canal boat ride near Wat Saket in Bangkok

 

This is a great time to see the beautiful temple and enjoy Thailand’s culture. The temple fair is lit up by many lanterns, decorative flags, food and drink stalls, and even games that bring the temple to life. Wat Saket is unmissable if you want to see one of the most impressive Bangkok temples.  

 

The Bear Travel   Trivia!

Pilgrims must take 344 steps to reach the top of the Golden Mount Temple and worship the Buddha relic.

 

 

 

Map & More Information 

 

 

Wat Saket is known as the ‘Temple of the Golden Mount’ in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok). It is an ancient Ayutthaya-era Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is a popular attraction for tourists and a revered site for locals.

 

Wat Saket: The Temple of the Golden Mount in Bangkok

 

Fees

50 THB for foreigners

Business Hours

07.00 – 19.00 hrs  |  Monday - Sunday

Business Address

344 Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100

Contact Number

+66 65 010 3131

Official Website

https://www.watsrakesa.com/

Facebook Page

Wat Saket

Instagram

Golden Mount (Phu Khao Thong) Wat Saket

GPS

13.7538637, 100.5043572

 

...
Written by
The Bear Team

We, The Bear Team, are a united group of digital experts and adventurers. Combining technical skills with creative flair, we deliver informative, valuable, up-to-date content. Whether seeking travel inspiration or innovative solutions, we're your go-to for fun, authentic, impactful, and timeless experiences.

...

The Bear Travel | Experience like a Local

A fast-growing Thailand Travel Blog written by Expats and Thais since 2017. We will share our experiences and ideas from an insider point of view for you to create your own unique Thailand experience.

For the latest news and events about The Bear Travel, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or YouTube.

For any issues, concerns, or queries, don’t hesitate to CONTACT us.

...