Thailand Travel Pages - Golden Mountain

Asia Products LLC Thailand Travel Pages Header

Golden Mountain:

Click here go to this location in Google Map

The Golden Mount is rather unusual. It is actually an artificial hill about 70 meters tall, which began its construction during the reign of Rama III (1824 - 1851). However, it wasn't until after two unsuccessful building attempts that it was completed in 1865, when the introduction of concrete meant the ground could be made hard enough to withstand the weight of the temple.

The approach to the Golden Mount is lined with beautiful palm trees, which leads you to a wide stairway that winds its way around and up the mount. There are 318 steps, but the walk is not too strenuous (however, in the heat of high season, you will sweat!) As you climb, take time to enjoy the hundreds of mini-shrines that dot the sides of the hill.

At the top, beautiful water features, splendid green foliage and a row of about ten large bells (which you are supposed to ring for good luck) lead you to the Wat Saket. The highest part of Wat Saket is the structure known as the Golden Mount (which gets its name from the magnificent golden chedi that crowns it). However, the entire place is known as either Wat Saket or the Golden Mount/Mountain, so be aware when asking for directions.

You are expected to remove your shoes before entering any of the main temple buildings. As you enter the building you are greeted by an amazing statue of the Lord Buddha, which sits in the center of the floor. The temple also houses a special Buddhist relic: a Buddha's tooth, which has been housed here since 1877.

Inside the temple there is a small stone staircase that leads to the roof and the large golden chedi. Here, not only will you get to see a magnificent panoramic view of the city, the neighborhoods lining the canals below with the skyscrapers that tower over Bangkok on the horizon, but in the heat of a Bangkok summer, you will also benefit from a wonderfully welcome cooling breeze.

Getting there

The Golden Mountain is situated in the Banglamphu region of the city; about 20 minutes walk from the Grand Palace. If you don't feel like walking you can take the Chaophraya Express Boat to the Memorial Bridge pier, then take a taxi or tuk-tuk from there.