Wat Saket and the Golden Mount


Wat Saket is built atop Bangkok's only hill-the man-made Golden Mount, not far from Rajadamnoen Road. Construction of the Golden Mount started during the reign of King Rama I and proceeded with the addition of the present golden chedi until the reign of King Rama V. The chedi houses a relic of the Buddha from India, added by King Rama V. The mount's concrete walls were added during the Second World War.

A large festival is held in the grounds of Wat Saket every November with a candlelight procession up the hill.

The footpath up the Golden Mount offers fine views over the city. Admission to the temple is free except for the final stretch to the top, which costs 5 baht.