About Golden Mountain Temple

The Temple of the Golden Mountain, also known as the Wat Saket Racha Wora Maha Wihan and Phu Khao Tong in Bangkok, is a hill. In the Ayutthaya era, it was originally called Wat Sakae. Its current name dates back to King Rama I.

Beneath the hill is the original chedi built by King Rama III. The ground could not support the heavy building and the building collapsed. Over time the structure was covered and the “natural” hill took shape over it. King Rama IV tried again with a smaller version on top of the hill. This is the Golden Mount in all its glory, built out of Carrara marble. Concrete walls were added much later so the hill would not erode.

Visitors can climb the 344 stairs accompanied by smaller statues of Buddha to the temple. Small bells ring in the wind adorning the eaves of the temple ring in the wind. Take in the views of the city of Bangkok below, while listening to the monks' chant and the gong ring. The golden stupa of Buddha at the top, originally brought from Sri Lanka, is said to contain some of Buddha’s teeth. If you visit in November, be sure to attend the festival with the candlelight procession up to Wat Saket.

 

Must See

  • Golden Mount
  • Gilded Stupa enshrining Buddha relics
  • Ubosot, Viharn
  • Ho Trai where you find Buddhist scriptures

How to reach

By taxi:

Take a taxi from Bangkok to Golden Mountain Temple.  It is a journey of 1 km that is covered in 1 minute and costs 65 to 80 THB.

By walking:

The walk from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration can be covered in 12 minutes and is 1 km.

 

Tips

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Effort and strength are required to reach the stupa on top of the Golden Mount which is a 344-step climb up 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.
  • There is no strict dress code for visiting the temple. However, it is advised to dress respectfully and not to wear sleeveless clothing or shorts if possible. 

Visit Time

Sunday:           8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday:          8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday:         8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday:    8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday:        8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday:             8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday:         8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

During peak season and festivals, there can be waiting time for 30 minutes due to large crowds.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 hours

 

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Weather

Scattered Clouds 27.84°C

 

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