Wat Saket and the Golden Mount in Bangkok Old Town

Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan feels very different from many famous temples in Bangkok. Instead of sitting beside the river or inside the royal palace area, this temple rises above the Old Town on an artificial hill and has become one of the best viewpoints in the Phra Nakhon district.

Most visitors know the temple as the “Golden Mount” because of the golden chedi at the top that can be seen from many parts of Bangkok Old Town.

The Golden Mount Above Bangkok

Visitors climb several hundred steps through shaded walkways, bells, and quiet gardens before reaching the summit. Along the way, the atmosphere slowly changes from the busy streets below into a calmer and quieter space.

The sound of bells, chanting, and rustling trees makes many people feel temporarily separated from the chaos of Bangkok.

Before the era of skyscrapers, the Golden Mount was once one of the highest points in Bangkok.

History of Wat Saket

Wat Saket dates back to the Ayutthaya period and was originally known as Wat Sakae. It was later restored during the early Rattanakosin era. Construction of the Golden Mount began during the reign of King Rama III, originally planned as a massive chedi.

Because Bangkok's soft soil could not support the structure, the original construction collapsed. The hill was later reshaped into an artificial mount with the golden chedi built on top, creating the landmark seen today.

The Golden Mount Fair

Wat Saket is also famous for the annual Golden Mount Fair held around the Loy Krathong period. The event fills the temple grounds with food stalls, carnival-style games, local performances, and long lines of worshippers climbing the hill at night.

Even today, the fair still feels like a classic Thai temple festival, something increasingly difficult to find in modern Bangkok.

Visitor Information

Wat Saket may not be as grand as Wat Phra Kaew or as large as Wat Pho, but many visitors end up loving the atmosphere here even more. The combination of city views, quiet surroundings, and traces of old Bangkok gives the temple a very different feeling.

Late afternoon and sunset are among the best times to visit, when the weather becomes cooler and the Old Town glows under warm evening light.