Wat Saket is the temple at the foot of the Golden Mount, an artificial hill in Bangkok's old town topped by a gleaming golden chedi. A winding staircase of around 300 steps leads up past bells, small shrines and trees to a rooftop terrace with some of the best views in the historic part of the city. Wat Saket is less crowded than the riverside temples, and the climb is gentle enough for most visitors.
Why visit Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
Wat Saket is one of the older temples in Bangkok, and the hill beside it has a long history. A large chedi was begun here in the early nineteenth century but collapsed because the soft ground could not support it. The mound of rubble was gradually covered in vegetation, and later in the century a smaller chedi was built on top, creating the Golden Mount you see today. For many years it was the highest point in the city.
Today the attraction is the combination of the climb, the shrine at the summit and the panorama. From the top you can see the roofs of Wat Ratchanatdaram and the Loha Prasat, the Grand Palace spires to the west and the modern skyline in the distance.
How to get to Wat Saket
The nearest MRT station is Sam Yot on the Blue Line, in the old town. From the station it is roughly a 15 minute walk east to the Golden Mount, through streets of shophouses and past the Giant Swing area if you take a slight detour. A taxi or tuk-tuk from Sam Yot is a short ride if the heat is strong.
Another option is the Khlong Saen Saeb canal boat, which ends at Phan Fa Leelard pier, only a few minutes' walk from the temple. This is a quick way to arrive from the Siam or Pratunam area, and the boat ride is an experience in itself, though it can be splashy.
Wat Saket tickets and what to wear
Foreign visitors pay a small fee to climb the Golden Mount, collected at a booth on the way up. Prices and opening hours change from time to time, so check locally or with the Tourism Authority of Thailand rather than relying on old figures. The temple grounds at the base are open to visitors without a ticket.
As at all Thai temples, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes before entering any hall. The steps are shaded in parts, but wear comfortable shoes and take water.
Best time to visit Wat Saket
Late afternoon is the best time to visit Wat Saket for the view, when the light softens and the city begins to glow toward sunset. Early morning is also good, cooler and quieter. Allow around 45 minutes to an hour for the climb, the terrace and a look around the base.
Each year around November, usually near the Loy Krathong festival, the temple holds a long-running fair with food stalls, games and crowds of local visitors, and the chedi is wrapped in red cloth during the celebrations. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so check closer to the time if you want to catch it.
Highlights on the climb
- The bells: rows of bells line parts of the staircase, and visitors ring them for good luck as they pass.
- The waterfalls and greenery: small cascades and plants along the lower path make the climb cooler and pleasant.
- The summit shrine: a room with Buddha images and relics, where people pray before stepping outside.
- The rooftop terrace: walk the full circle for views in every direction.
Tips for the climb
The path up is a gentle spiral rather than a steep stairway, with places to rest along the way, and there is a small café near the base for a drink afterwards.
Nearby in the old town
The Golden Mount is a good start to a walk through the eastern part of Rattanakosin:
- Wat Ratchanatdaram and the Loha Prasat: a multi-tiered structure with metal spires, a short walk across the road.
- The Giant Swing and Wat Suthat: a tall red frame and a large temple known for its murals, closer to Sam Yot.
- Democracy Monument: on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, a few minutes north.
- Khao San Road: reachable on foot in around 20 minutes or by a short taxi ride.
See the Golden Mount page for more, or browse the Bangkok metro map for other stops.