Wat Saket – The Golden Mount

 

On top of a small hill is a large (58 meter) Chedi which houses a relic of Buddha. The Chedi is a gold color hence the name Gold Mount. A set of stairs circle the Mount to ascend and is about 300 steps. Avoid going at midday because of full exposure to the sun and if it rains as the steps are painted and can get very slippery. There are several platforms along the way which are lined with bells to ring and exiting the platform is a large gong that has a great deep sound. You ascend the 300 steps to a room with other Buddha statues then a short steep stairway going to the top. Many people come to make Lotus Flower donations and pray. There is a separate steep staircase to descend back to the room then back to the 300 exposed steps.

 

I didn’t take much notice on my climb up to the top of Golden Mount as it was very hot and sunny the day I was there. But on the way down you can really appreciate the unobstructed views of Bangkok. Luckily I had a very clear day!

 

I’ve been to Buddhist temples all over Thailand, Cambodia and Tibet. This was the first time I saw special effects in the way of a fog machine when entering the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) temple. After paying the 20 Baht entrance fee the staircase to ascend the Golden Mount is on the left. Immediately you are greeted by lush foliage, and a standing gold Buddha near a waterfall and fog emanating through the plants and waterfall. It was a great effect. Would like to see more of this done.

Definitely a worth while visit!

Address: 344 Chakkraphat Diphong Road

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