Golden Mount (Wat Saket)

The Basics

Wat Saket was built around the time of Bangkok’s founding, in the late 18th century, although it has been renovated since then. At the base, check out the tree-covered cemetery holding the remains of tens of thousands of plague victims from the late 18th century. Then, climb to the top of the chedi via 300 steps that circle the structure. At the top, you are afforded views of many famous temples and landmarks, including the nearby Grand Palace.

Wat Saket is in Old Bangkok, near several other sites of interest to visitors. Therefore, it’s often included in sightseeing trips, both independent and guided. A special way of seeing the Golden Mount is to take an evening bicycle or motorbike tour of Bangkok, when you can see the golden chedi lit up.

Things to Know Before You Go

• It’s free to enter the temple, but there’s a small admission fee for the chedi.

• The climb to the top of the hill is not especially strenuous, but avoid going in the middle of the day when it's hottest.

• As at all Thai temples, dress modestly by covering the knees and shoulders.

How to Get There

Wat Saket is east of Grand Palace. Like other points of interest in the area, it’s not well connected to the Skytrain or Metro. To get here from other parts of Bangkok, take a taxi or motorbike.

When to Get There

The temple is open daily, roughly from 9am until 7pm. To experience a traditional Thai temple fair, come in November for its crowded annual week-long fair, drawing pilgrims from all over Thailand. At other times of year, it’s less busy than many other Bangkok temples.

Visit Wat Arun

Another impressive temple with sweeping views of the city is Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, on the west bank of Chao Phraya River. It’s beautifully decorated with thousands of pieces of broken ceramic pottery and tiles, making is quite different from many of Bangkok’s other temples, which are gold. Wat Arun is a must-visit attraction.