Golden Mount & Wat Saket

A beautiful winding staircase past waterfalls, prayer bells, flower gardens and even a coffee shop, works its way gently to the top open-air platform where the large golden mount sits. The Golden Mount was built on an artificial mound by Rama III in the early 1800’s and used to be Bangkok’s highest landmark at 58 metres until modern skyscrapers arrived. The top offers great 360 degree views of the city with a refreshing breeze and is very peaceful. There are usually locals around giving offerings with prayers, incense, flowers and candles to add to the atmosphere. Around the full moon in November there’s a festival in the grounds for nine days and nine nights and includes a candlelight procession of many monks up to the Golden Mount. Well worth a visit if you are around. This is a functioning temple so you should dress respectfully, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. There isn’t any public transport that goes near here so you will either have to walk or get a tuk-tuk. Tha Chang Pier (N9) on the Chao Phraya River is closest, and a tuk-tuk from here should be around 60B. Entrance: 10B, open daily 7:30am – 5:30pm Address: Off Th Boriphat, Bangkok