Wat Saket
“The temple of the Golden Mount”
Bangkok
The Wat Saket just outside the historical district Rattanakosin island is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples dating back to the Ayutthaya era, which lasted until 1767. The temple was then named Wat Sakae. When King Rama I became the first ruler of the Rattanakosin Kingdom he ordered the temple to be restored and renamed it Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan, or Wat Saket for short.
The Wat Saket was used to cremate the deceased who were too poor to afford a funeral or cremation. When an epidemic hit Bangkok during the reign of King Rama II, the remains of tens of thousands of poor people were brought here to be cremated.
80 Meter tall “Golden Mount”
The structure that Wat Saket is best known for is its 80 meter high hill called “Golden Mount” and the huge gilded stupa on top of it. It was once the highest point in Bangkok.
The hill was created during the reign of King Rama III who ordered a large chedi to be build in the Wat Saket temple complex. During the construction however, the chedi collapsed because the soil it was standing on was too soft to support the weight. Years later King Rama IV had the hill reinforced and made higher with large numbers of logs to prevent the soil from sinking any further, and he had a small stupa build on top. In the 1940’s the hill was reinforced again using concrete.
Gilded stupa enshrining Buddha relics
The gilded stupa existing today dates from the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The huge chedi contains relics of the Buddha, that were brought over from India.
The climb to the top of the mount
To reach the stupa on top of the Golden Mount requires a 318 steps climb up the hill. On one of the platforms on the way to the top you will find a line of large prayer bells that Buddhist people strike producing a very deep tone. Once upstairs you will have great views of Bangkok in all directions.
Temple at the base of the hill
The Wat Saket temple itself is located at the base of the hill. Most visitors miss it, just climbing to the stupa on top of the hill. In the temple complex you will find an ordination hall or ubosot, a viharn, a Ho Trai where Buddhist scriptures are kept and the monks living quarters.
Wat Saket temple fest during Loy Krathong
During the Loy Krathong festival that takes place every year during the night of the 12th Thai full moon usually early November, the Wat Saket hosts a temple fair that lasts 9 days.
People carry a long red cloth over their heads climbing the stairs to the top of the Golden Mount and wrap the cloth around the base of the chedi.
Location
Wat Saket is located some 500 meters East of Victory Monument in the center of Thanon Ratchadamnoen Klang and almost opposite Fort Mahakan and the Wat Ratchanadda, the “Metal Castle”.
How to get to the Wat Saket
There are no BTS Sky Train or MRT Subway stations in the area.
The best way to get there would be by metered taxi.
If you’re closeby, you can also take a tuk tuk.
Opening hours
The temple complex is open daily from 8 am until 5 pm.
Best time to visit is early morning, when it will be slightly cooler during the climb to the top.
During the annual Loy Krathong festival the temple grounds can get very crowded.
Entrance fee
Admission charged at the ticket booth is (Thai Baht):
Nearby attractions
- Fort Mahakan
- Wat Ratchanadda, the Metal Castle
- Wat Suthat & Giant Swing
- Rattakosin Island, historical district
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