Wat Saket / Temple of the Golden Mountain - we look at Bangkok in a homely atmosphere
Wat Saket is another nice temple in the historical part of Bangkok, where you can go on the way to some sights. Although a purposeful visit is also an option, since it is not difficult to get to it. Typically, temples such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun, are known to everyone, since they are brought to them in a huge number of package tourists on buses. To a greater extent, this, of course, concerns Wat Pho, because it really has something to see - the huge figure of the reclining Buddha. Wat Saket is notable mainly for the fact that it offers views of Bangkok, so there are much fewer people here..
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Temple Wat Saket
It is called the Temple of the Golden Mountain for a reason. The fact is that it is located on an artificially created mountain, and a golden stupa is installed at the very top. Before the skyscraper era, Saket was one of the tallest places in Bangkok. By the way, once this mountain sagged due to the weakness of the soil, but then it was restored. I hope this will not happen anymore, otherwise I am going to return there. Visually, now everything looks very strong, all the grief has been removed into the concrete retaining walls.
Climbing the mountain is not difficult, literally 300 steps. Although it may cause some, but not critical, difficulties for sluggards. The mountain is surrounded by two spiral staircases, one for the ascent, the other for the descent. In fact, which one to climb, no difference. Where in the middle of the ascent there is a cafe for those who are tired. Also on the way there are bells and gongs available for visitors, call your health. And that's why you can't call our Orthodox Christians, it's so great ...
The first part of the climb goes through the jungle
The first part of the climb goes through the jungle
Wat Saket or Temple of the Golden Mount
Call for health!
Call for luck!
At the very end of the stairs, views of the Bangkok roofs of both skyscrapers and poor huts open up. We go inside the temple and see several statues typical of a Thai temple, there is even a relic of some kind hidden in the sarcophagus. From here there is a staircase to the roof to the observation deck, where the same golden stupa is installed. Please note that if it is high day and hot, then it is easier to observe the city from the large windows of the temple, and not from the observation deck.
Many people write that the atmosphere at Wat Saket is quite pleasant, and I can agree with them. Indeed, a kind of an island of tranquility in the very center of a large and noisy city, where you want to stay for a while and get distracted from your daily affairs and thoughts.
Views of Bangkok at the very top of the stairs
At the bottom of the roofs of other temple buildings
We look down and see a staircase around the mountain
Bangkok roofs
Typical interior decoration
Buddha is covered in pieces of sheet gold
The monk is covered in leaves of gold
Inside the temple you can eat ice cream
On the king's birthday, the asphalt near the temple was washed with soap
Once, not far from the temple, these lovely creatures were sold
Information to visit
From Khaosan Road the easiest way to get to the Temple of the Golden Mountain is on foot, here it is literally 15 minutes. For lazy people there are tuk-tuk, they will also take you there without any problems. If you go from another part of the city, then there is no metro here, and either by city buses or by klong (river channel) can be reached. The latter is relevant if, for example, you are traveling from the Pratunam area, where all shopping centers are located and skyscraper Bayok Sky. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from there and to the final one. In the opposite direction, it is also good to ride, do not stand in traffic jams.
The opening hours of the Wat Saket temple are from 7.30 to 17.30. It's a pity that you can't get here in the evening to see Bangkok at night.
If you want to find a hotel and live near this place, it is convenient to choose accommodation on RoomGuru, it is a convenient service where you can compare hotel prices in different booking systems.
I have stayed in Bangkok many times and in different hotels. I will not provide links to all my reviews, I will give only a few. Nasa vegas - convenient for stopping near the airport and metro, Rajata - good place to spend the night near Khaosan, S3 Residense located in the center next to the park.
River channel from Wat Saket to Pratunam area
Opening hours Wat Saket
On the map
Temple of the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)
Temple of the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)
Overlooking Bangkok.
Read about the temple
View of Bangkok Read about the temple