【Travelogue】Where Is the Highest Point in Bangkok? It’s Actually on Golden Mount Temple
Many friends who come to Bangkok ask Nick, “What’s fun to do here?”... I usually ask what kind of activities they’re interested in. However, most answers are rather frustrating...
“Dunno, just wanna chill.”
To be honest, chilling at home is no different from chilling abroad. Then why spend money and time booking flights and hotels, taking leave, and coordinating schedules with friends or family? Do you think that’s worth the hard-earned cash? It’s not that chilling is bad—it’s great—but at least say how you want to chill...
For Nick, “chill” works better as an adjective than a verb. You can chill out at night, chill while shopping, chill in the sun, chill while strolling around, or chill over coffee... Chilling isn’t an activity—it can actually be a cultural experience.
Buddhism is Thailand’s national religion, so temples are naturally at the heart of Thai culture. To understand Thai culture, visiting temples is a must. Nick won’t tell you how painful it is to be dragged to a temple by a Thai family member in the morning... But even for someone like me, who has no religious beliefs, visiting these unique architectural wonders with an open mind can be quite a chill experience...
This time, we’re visiting the historic Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket), located in Bangkok’s old city area. With a history of over 200 years, its construction began in the 19th century, initially serving as a crematorium and isolation area for plague victims. It underwent continuous reinforcement and renovation until its completion in the early 20th century.
Opening Hours: 8:00–17:00
Transportation: Take a taxi from Hua Lamphong MRT Station, or take a boat from Pratunam Market to Panfa Pier.
A glittering wishing tree is also placed at the entrance of Golden Mount Temple
Entrance to Golden Mount Temple
Oh, by the way... Since Bangkok is a flat city, Golden Mount Temple, built on an artificial hill, is the highest temple in Bangkok. At its summit stands a large stupa, and to reach the top, you need to climb 318 steps...
But the path is shaded by large trees, and there are many sculptures and scenic spots to admire along the way, so it’s not too tiring... (I think)
After walking for a while, you’ll finally see the real entrance to Golden Mount Temple………
Probably almost at your leg’s limit... so just a few more minutes’ walk and you’ll see a café
After passing the café, a few more steps will bring you to the garden of Golden Mount Temple... where you can ring the bell for blessings…
Seeing the big bronze gong means you’re close to Golden Mount Temple—the taller the trees, the fewer there are, but the high altitude brings a refreshing breeze
Finally reached Golden Mount Temple! Doesn’t seem like much? For non-religious tourists, the interior of Golden Mount Temple has never been the main attraction.
Seven Buddha statues represent the guardians of each day of the week
After walking a little further, you’ll finally reach the top…！
From the top, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Bangkok skyline
Or get a closer look at the large stupa, which is said to house a relic of the Buddha’s hair, while calmly watching the changing sky
On the way down, you’ll see a group of people eating peanuts...
It turns out to be part of the scenery... but when combined with real tourists and worshippers gathered around “eating peanuts”... it really looks incredibly lifelike...
The entire hillside is filled with vultures staring down, creating an eerie atmosphere... better head down quickly...
After descending, you can visit the nearby Wat Ratchanatdaram. What’s worth seeing is actually a unique structure within the Wat Ratchanatdaram complex
Called Loha Prasat, the temple features 37 metal spires, hence its nickname “Metal Castle.” It’s said that there are only three Loha Prasats in the world—the other two are in India and Sri Lanka (but have been neglected and fallen into disrepair), making this Thai one the last remaining.
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