This artificial mountain in the middle of the old town of Bangkok can be seen from many places around the city.
It is part of a temple named Wat Saket, the temple which has been there for a very long time, since the Ayutthaya period.
I was here many times in my younger days. Now I came back to this place after several years of my last visit.
It always feels good to be at the top as you can enjoy a beautiful view of Bangkok. Unfortunately this time it was about to rain, so the photo I took does not feel as lively as it should be.
Apart from this magnificent view of Bangkok, I want to tell you that there are many things you can do at this place.
Here are the highlights of Was Saket and Golden Mount.
The Buddha’s Relics At The Top of The Golden Mount
There were many people who came to the temple on the day I went to pray, get blessed and perform a walking meditation at the top of the Golden Mount due to Vesak day.
Why at the top?
Because there is a Buddha’s relic at the top of the Golden Mount.
A Buddha’s relic is normally a part of the Buddha’s body which was left after the Buddha’s death.
It is believed that praying to the Buddha’s relics helps bring good things to your life and fulfill your wishes.
This Buddha’s relic was found in the ruins of an ancient city named Kapilavastu, the city where the Buddha was born.
At the very top of the mountain, there is a hall where people can sit around, pray to the Buddha statue nearby, and donate money.
The Buddha’s relics are in the small chamber at the center of this hall.
After praying to the Buddha’s relics, there is a ‘stair to the heaven’ where you can walk up to the top to perform a walking meditation and enjoy the 360 degree view of Bangkok.
Along The Way To The Top
The interesting part is not only at the top of the mountain, but also along the way to go up and back to the ground.
After around a hundred steps, there are spaces to rest your legs. Here you will find multiple bells hanging around the walkway.
You can ring it loudly to call yourself back from the tiredness of walking up.
There are also spaces for you to pray in front of the big Buddha around the base of the mount.
I also found an interesting feature at the base of the mount, around the exit way.
For sure it was recently built. It is a cave named “Bamiyanguha”.
You can come inside, meditate or pray in front of the standing Buddha. It is amazingly quiet inside, despite the crowded people outside.
Ubosot and Viharn
Just walking a few meters from the exit path of the Golden Mount, there is a white big building which is the Viharn of the temple.
Phra Attharot, a magnificent standing Buddha statue in the dispelling fear posture is located inside. This statue has features of Ayutthaya style of art with a square shaped head.
The hall is surprisingly quiet despite the crowded outside and the noisy sky before it rains.
Walking towards the door on the left side of the Viharn, you will find another white large building located inside the Sema leaf boundary. This is the Ubosot hall of ordination of this temple.
Inside the Ubosot, the principal Buddha statue is named Phra Phutthamongkhon Chinnasi Wachiramuni. The statue is crafted in meditation posture with the mixed style of arts between the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin style.
I really found myself small inside this ordination hall. The mural paintings are also super nice. In my understanding, this depicts the ‘heaven’ with multiple angels appreciating the Buddha.
Annual Events At Wat Saket And The Golden Mount
I recently learned that around November of every year, there will be a ceremony at the temple which lasts for a week.
The temple will arrange a massive big red cloth to cover the top of the Golden Mount.
This ceremony is to worship the Buddha’s relic covered in red and it is believed to bring peace and prosperity to the country.
I personally have never been here during the ceremony. But if you have a chance, I highly recommend you to attend this event.
I heard that there will be many things to do at the base of the mountain, similar to a small fair where you can find a lot of food and some entertainment like dart games or walking into a haunted house, etc.
Opening Hours
Wat Saket opens everyday from 7:00 until 19:00.
The Golden Mount opens everyday, 24 hours. However, I would not recommend being there too late in the evening as there are places to store the ashes around the base on the mount.
It is better not to disturb everyone in the evening.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to go to Wat Saket temple or up to the Golden Mount. However, you can donate money to the temple at any donation box around the area or purchase the temple’s merchandise to show support.
The donation amount is up to you. Most of the time, local people would give 20 Baht.
How to Get There?
If you plan to visit Wat Ratchanaddaram, there are many interesting places nearby.
I recommend reading our Sao Chingcha article to find more information about the other interesting places nearby and the best way to travel here.
