Wat Saket: The Temple of the Golden Mount in Bangkok

The Bear Team 3 min read

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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)!

  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. 

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.

 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.

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.  

  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.