The Golden Mount temple in Bangkok is a landmark of the city and a popular tourist sight.
Located roughly between Khaosan and Siam Square, the temple has a chedi (stupa) built on a small artificial hill, affording a panoramic view of the entire city.
Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan, or Wat Saket – more commonly known as the Golden Mount Temple, sits atop a steep artificial hill in Bangkok. Taken with a Samsung NX 2000.
We got to the Golden Mount temple by taking the local Khlong Saen Saep canal express boat from our hotel in Sukhumvit.
The Khlong Saen Saep canal express boat is a very useful boat ferry taxi to visit many of the tourist sights in Bangkok – if you can stomach the murky water and the thrills of hopping on and off the boat before it pushes off from its very momentary stop at each pier. Taken with a Samsung NX 2000.
That ride in itself is a little adventure and a good way to sit among the locals and get a taste of how they actually commute.
It was also the most direct, cheapest and effortless way for us to get to the temple.
Panoramic view of Bangkok city from the top of Golden Mount. Taken using Panorama mode with a Samsung GALAXY Note 3.
After getting off at the last stop on the canal express – Panfa Leelard, we grabbed a quick breakfast at the food stall outside the pier.
Yes – it’s one of the roadside food stalls serving delectable Thai local food. We had a selection of noodles and chicken rice.
Statue of a jovial monk at Wat Saket. Taken with a Samsung NX 2000.
We were pleasantly surprised the children didn’t object at all and liked the food.
Fortunately – we’ve not had any stomach upsets yet – but we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
Intricate details on a temple building at the foot of the hill at Wat Saket. Taken with a Samsung NX 2000.
After breakfast, it was a short stroll to the temple. On the way, you’ll see games and food stalls set up like a fair.
The climb up the steep hill was leisurely as it wound gradually up around the sides of the hill.
On the way up, there were plenty of bells along the way for worshippers to ring for blessing and to keep children occupied. Taken with a Samsung NX 2000.
At the top of the hill, you reach the chedi building where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bangkok.
There is a stairway up to the roof of the building to get to the actual chedi itself – and more panoramic views.
The chedi on top of the building at the peak of Golden Mount has been wrapped in red cloth where worshippers write their wishes. They then walk around the chedi in a clockwise direction. Taken with a Samsung NX 2000.
Overall, this sight makes for an enjoyable half-day trip for the family.
If you’re an avid photographer, it’s also an excellent spot – and the temple is open till night as well!
Another panoramic view from the temple rooftop around the chedi of Golden Mount. Taken using Surround mode with a Samsung GALAXY Note 3. I used it to stitch the panorama despite pillars at the four corners of the rooftop blocking part of the scenery.
Wat Saket is a Buddhist temple with a steep artificial hill within its compounds – called Phu Khao thong (Golden Mountain).
In the early 19th century, King Rama III tried to build a mammoth chedi within the compounds of Wat Saket but it collapsed due to the soft soil – forming the hill with its debris.
Miniature model of Wat Saket along the winding steps leading to the actual chedi itself. Taken with a Samsung NX 2000.
Decades later, his son King Rama V built a smaller chedi on the hill and brought a relic of the Buddha from Sri Lanka to put in it.
The chedi was reinforced with concrete walls in the 1940s to prevent erosion, and the current Wat Saket was built in the early 20th century using Carrara marble.
– source: Wikipedia
A devout worshipper deep in prayer in the temple building on top of Golden Mount. Taken with a Samsung NX 2000.
Tags: Bangkok, Bangkok 2013, Golden Mount, holiday, panorama, Saket, temple, Thailand, travel, vacation
Is there any admission charges for visiting the temple?
Don’t think so leh. There was a booth at the foot just before the steps started with a sign asking for visitors to give donation – some token amount. We contributed but noticed most people just proceeded straight up the steps so I guess it’s not mandatory.
Is it too hard for children to climb up to top. My girl is 7, not sure she can or not. maybe go on Sunday before fly back on Monday.
Nope, not at all. The steps were not too steep and rather gradual, and you can take you own time. I have an 8-year-old boy and he had plenty of energy to spare after reaching the top.
The view from the top was breathtaking! I was there last week and spent like an hour just sitting by the window taking in the scenery. I think you took the panorama from the same window that I sat by?
The view was great! We didn’t spend that long at the window though. Just maybe 20 minutes or so. But we did notice other visitors that were there before us and was still there went we moved on. Very pleasant to just sit by the window and chill out!
We almost missed the stairs going up to the roof. Didn’t even know you could go further up. Luckily we saw somebody going up the stairs.
Yes, we too! In fact, we were already going to leave when I noticed people coming DOWN the stairs and realised you could go up! So we started looking for the stairs up which was somewhat tucked away. I’m sure we’re not the only ones that didn’t realise you could go up to the roof!
It’s quite tranquil up there in the temple when it’s not crowded, especially with the panoramic view. Very different from the hustle and bustle in the streets of Bangkok and in Khaosan.
Yes I enjoyed the visit too. Nice view and peaceful 🙂
Did you actually take the canal boat? I read about it on the net and didn’t dare to risk my 8-year old falling into water which i heard was very dirty. Isn’t it very troublesome? How do you know when the boat is coming and which stop to get off?
Yes, we did! Many times and it felt pretty exciting! The water’s totally disgusting and I was constantly worried my sandals or my specs or some other thing would drop in the water! I have an 8-year-old as well, but he was the least bit worried, getting off and on on his own after hand-holding the first time round.
It’s not troublesome at all. there’s only one line up and down (with a change at Pratunam). The stops are clearly sign-posted. And the fare collector may also call out to you if he knows which stop you want to alight (but don’t count on it!).
I like the picture of the solitary woman praying in the alcove. Gives me a sense of peace.
Thanks. I felt the serenity too. That’s why I snapped the picture.
I suppose the panoramas were taken handheld? They are remarkably clear and sharp and the stitching are quite seamless. Only in the second one can see slightly lighter shade on the left. Otherwise looks great!
Did you have to make many attempts to get a good panorama?
Yes I was pretty impressed with the panoramas on the Note 3. I only took a few and all of them were pretty good. Yeah I noticed the lighter shot on the left but left it as is for authenticity. Actually if you look closely at the first one, there is a slight break in the roof of the temple in the center. But it’s not jarring or very noticeable. Overall pretty happy with the camera on the Note 3.