The golden mount
or Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan
Open hours The temple is open all day, but the door to the Golden Mount is only open between 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM.
Fees None
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This ancient temple has existed since the Ayuthaya period. Also it’s really famous and gorgeous for everyone who has seen it. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya era, when it was known as Wat Sakae. When Bangkok became the capital, King Rama I renovated the temple and gave it its present name.Rama I's grandson, King Rama III (1787–1851), decided to build a chedi of huge dimensions inside Wat Saket. Unfortunately, the chedi collapsed during construction because the soft soil of Bangkok could not support the weight. Over the next few decades, the abandoned mud-and-brick structure acquired the shape of a natural hill and was overgrown with weeds. The locals called it the "phu khao" ,as if it were a natural feature. Phu Khao Thong is now a popular Bangkok tourist attraction and has become one of the symbols of the city. But of course almost everyone wants to reach the top and see that glorious golden monument... you won't be able nor allowed to touch it as it is protected by a rail and it wouldn't be appropriate anyway. The view from up there is beautiful without being really amazing, no real landmark or river visible, just a sea of
roofs, trees and the cityscape in the far. On the way down don't miss another immense golden Buddha sitting in a large glass room.
The towering chedi of the temple, enclosed with glittery gold mosaic tiles, is the most revered site. It crowns the rooftop terrace and calls for a steep climb of 318 steps. On reaching the terrace, one can not only have a close view of the mount, but also have an aerial view of the breathtaking vistas spread below, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Democracy Monument and glimpses of Bangkok's business districts. Wat Saket temple invites many visitors with its beauty and religious significance, more often than not, during its popular temple fair held in October/ November. Every year, during the famous Loy Kratong festival in November, Wat Saket hosts a temple fair, including a candle light procession ceremony up the stairs of the golden mount. Expect serious traffic jams.
Location
Ratchadamnoen Klang & Boripihat Roads (Banglamphu Region)
How to go
By Bus : Bus number 8, 15, 37, 47, 49, 37, 49
For More Information
www.watsraket.com
Tel. 02-621-2280
Open hours The temple is open all day, but the door to the Golden Mount is only open between 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM.
Fees None
Hilight
This ancient temple has existed since the Ayuthaya period. Also it’s really famous and gorgeous for everyone who has seen it. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya era, when it was known as Wat Sakae. When Bangkok became the capital, King Rama I renovated the temple and gave it its present name.Rama I's grandson, King Rama III (1787–1851), decided to build a chedi of huge dimensions inside Wat Saket. Unfortunately, the chedi collapsed during construction because the soft soil of Bangkok could not support the weight. Over the next few decades, the abandoned mud-and-brick structure acquired the shape of a natural hill and was overgrown with weeds. The locals called it the "phu khao" ,as if it were a natural feature. Phu Khao Thong is now a popular Bangkok tourist attraction and has become one of the symbols of the city. But of course almost everyone wants to reach the top and see that glorious golden monument... you won't be able nor allowed to touch it as it is protected by a rail and it wouldn't be appropriate anyway. The view from up there is beautiful without being really amazing, no real landmark or river visible, just a sea of
roofs, trees and the cityscape in the far. On the way down don't miss another immense golden Buddha sitting in a large glass room.
The towering chedi of the temple, enclosed with glittery gold mosaic tiles, is the most revered site. It crowns the rooftop terrace and calls for a steep climb of 318 steps. On reaching the terrace, one can not only have a close view of the mount, but also have an aerial view of the breathtaking vistas spread below, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Democracy Monument and glimpses of Bangkok's business districts. Wat Saket temple invites many visitors with its beauty and religious significance, more often than not, during its popular temple fair held in October/ November. Every year, during the famous Loy Kratong festival in November, Wat Saket hosts a temple fair, including a candle light procession ceremony up the stairs of the golden mount. Expect serious traffic jams.
Location
Ratchadamnoen Klang & Boripihat Roads (Banglamphu Region)
How to go
By Bus : Bus number 8, 15, 37, 47, 49, 37, 49
For More Information
www.watsraket.com
Tel. 02-621-2280