This temple with its giant standing Buddha and relics is less touristy than most. Climb the steps of the Golden Mount for picturesque views over Bangkok.
Wat Saket is probably most famous for the Golden Mount, a 58-metre tall burial site (called a “chedi”) that was once the tallest structure in Bangkok. Pay a visit to the giant standing Buddha inside Wat Saket before climbing the 318 steps to the top of the Golden Mount for outstanding views of the city.
Walk in history’s footsteps as you climb each step of the Golden Mount. King Rama I restored the lower temple (which was originally called Wat Sakae) and renamed it Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan. When the plague hit Bangkok under the rule of Rama II, the temple grounds became a giant graveyard for the many plague victims. You’ll see this cemetery just as you begin your ascent up the spiralling stairway.
At the top of golden mount, you’ll find the chedi. It took three successive kings to construct the chedi properly. Building was started by King Rama III, but it collapsed due to Bangkok's soft soil. It was continued by Rama IV who reinforced the hill with logs to stop it collapsing again, and it was finally completed by King Rama V in the late 19th century, when the gilded conical tower was built. From this vantage point, you’ll get great views of the Grand Palace and Chao Phraya River running through the city below.
Wat Saket is well worth a visit during the 9-day Loy Krathong temple fair. If you arrive on day one before the sun sets, you can witness a candlelit procession as the pilgrims walk up the hill to the chedi.
Open daily, Wat Saket is free to visit, but entrance to the chedi incurs a small additional fee. The climb is relatively easy and there is a rest stop on the way. The best way to get to Wat Saket is by taxi or long tail boat from Khlong Saen Saep jetty, near Petchaburi MRT.
