Housing relics of Buddha brought from India, the stupa – or chedi – which crowns the majestic Golden Mount is a truly sacred place. King Rama III had an ambitious vision – a reconstruction of an ancient Siamese temple set on top of a man-made hill believed to represent Mount Sumeru. His project had to be abandoned due to soil problems and was finally completed on a much more modest scale during the reign of his grandson Rama V.
More modest maybe, but this conical golden hill is still a glorious site to behold. It rises to an impressive height of 58 metres and is encircled by a winding staircase of over 300 steps. Snake your way to the top past flower gardens and temple bells to be rewarded with sweeping views across the city.
At the base of this grand structure sits the temple of Wat Saket. Stop in on your way back down and pay a visit to the statue within: a giant golden standing Buddha.
Originally located outside the city boundaries, the temple was used for cremation ceremonies which were not allowed within the Capital. During the reign of King Rama II, a plague swept through Bangkok, taking the lives of tens of thousands of people and leaving the sanctuary overwhelmed. The cemetery in the temple grounds stands as testament to this tragedy, its sombre atmosphere contrasting with the light and airy mood of the terrace.
In November each year, the golden chedi is swathed in red cloth to celebrate the festival of Loy Krathong. It is a popular destination for pilgrims, who process up the steps of the Golden Mount by candlelight. Arrive early to ensure a good spot and immerse yourself in the colours, the crowds and the stalls.
Whilst it may seem close to the city centre, it is worth getting a taxi or catching a long tail boat from Klong Saen Saep jetty as Wat Saket is deceptively difficult to get to. Open every day, you can wander freely around the temple grounds, but expect to pay a small fee if you wish to go inside the chedi.
