What if we told you there is a mountain you can climb right in the heart of Bangkok?
Rising above the historic neighbourhoods of the old city is Wat Saket and the Golden Mount, known in Thai as Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan and Phu Khao Thong.
Unlike Bangkok’s modern observation decks, the reward here comes after a gentle climb around a man-made hill, following a winding staircase all the way to a golden chedi overlooking Rattanakosin.
There are 344 steps to the top. But don’t worry — this is a journey worth taking slowly.
Wat Saket is one of Bangkok’s historic temples, with origins dating back to the Ayutthaya period. The temple was originally known as Wat Sakae before being restored during the reign of King Rama I and receiving its present name.
The story of the Golden Mount began later, during the reign of King Rama III, when the construction of a monumental prang was initiated within the temple grounds.
But there was a problem. Bangkok’s soft ground could not adequately support the enormous structure. During construction, the building subsided and eventually collapsed, forcing the project to be abandoned.
What appeared to be a failed construction project eventually became something much more remarkable.
During the reign of King Rama IV, the structure was redesigned. Instead of attempting another enormous prang, the site was transformed into an artificial hill with a chedi at its summit. Construction continued over the following decades and was eventually completed during the reign of King Rama V.
Today, that hill is the landmark we know as the Golden Mount — Phu Khao Thong.
Ready to climb?
The route to the top winds gradually around the Golden Mount rather than climbing steeply in a straight line, making the journey itself part of the experience.
Along the way, slow down. Listen to the temple bells, notice the greenery surrounding the pathway and watch the rooftops of Old Bangkok gradually appear as you climb higher.
Reaching the summit isn’t only about taking photographs.
At the top of the Golden Mount Bangkok stands the golden chedi, an important Buddhist site where sacred relics of the Buddha are enshrined. For Buddhist visitors, paying respect to the Buddha’s relics is traditionally associated with merit-making and auspiciousness.
Take a quiet moment before heading outside. Pay your respects, make merit and enjoy a few moments of calm above one of the busiest cities in the world.
Then comes the reward for climbing all those steps. Step outside and Rattanakosin unfolds around you.
From the Golden Mount, you can see temple rooftops, historic neighbourhoods and the changing skyline of Bangkok stretching towards the horizon.
It is a very different perspective from seeing Bangkok from a modern skyscraper. Here, you are looking at the city from within its history.
The Golden Mount is beautiful throughout the day, but we particularly recommend visiting early in the morning or from late afternoon towards evening.
Before visiting Wat Saket and the Golden Mount, here is some useful information for planning your trip:
For guests staying at Pranakorn Heritage Hotel, a visit to Wat Saket and the Golden Mount is a wonderful addition to a day exploring Old Bangkok and Rattanakosin.
Start early and experience the Golden Mount in the gentle morning light, or save the climb for later in the afternoon and watch the historic city change beneath the golden-hour sky.
After climbing the Golden Mount and spending the day discovering the streets of Old Bangkok, return to the quiet comfort of Pranakorn Heritage Hotel.
And if your legs are feeling those 344 steps, you don’t necessarily need to go anywhere else. Guests can contact our Front Desk to arrange an in-room massage, allowing you to relax and ease tired muscles in the privacy and comfort of your room.
Pranakorn Heritage Hotel
