Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan: The Scenic Golden Mount Temple Overlooking Bangkok

Sitting atop Bangkok’s only hill, the golden chedi of the Golden Mount Temple looms over the city. Known locally as Wat Saket, the temple complex is a religious landmark in the country as the hill was built by ancient Siamese royals and is home to an important pagoda. Today, the complex and its hilltop chedi are open to the public – visit this iconic destination for a journey through Thailand’s rich religious history, overlooking the stunning skyline of the “City of Angels.”

History

With origins dating back to the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767), and significant renovations during the reign of King Rama I, the temple is known for the golden chedi (reliquary stupa) situated atop a man-made hill. Due to unstable soil, the original stupa collapsed during construction, and a smaller chedi refurbished in gold was instead built on a reinforced hill, giving rise to the temple’s current iconic silhouette.

Preparation – What to Know and What to Bring

Although Wat Saket is a popular attraction for visitors, it is a functioning temple, so respectful attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential, as hiking to the top of the hill requires scaling 300 steps. For the convenience of preparation and an easy journey back to your accommodation, hotels in Khaosan are only a comfortable drive from the temple, with affordable prices and modern amenities at Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan.

Trekking to the Top

The journey to the top of the Golden Mount is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The winding staircase is lined with bells, creating a melodic chime with each step. There are also several rest stops along the way. Once you reach the top of the summit, admire Bangkok’s expansive skyline, with traditional red-roof homes contrasted against a background of towering modern skyscrapers.

Attractions in the Complex

The Wat Saket complex offers more than just the climb to the Golden Mount. Although tourists are required to pay a fee to trek up the hill, exploring the temple grounds to admire the intricate architecture and learn about the temple’s history is free of charge. Located in a cavern beneath the compound, the landmark also houses the Bamiyan Museum, which holds a collection of historic Buddhist artefacts, and a massive image of Buddha carved into the base of the hill.