Excursion to the Temple of the Golden Mountain. Temple of the Golden Mountain in Bangkok
The history of Vata Saket dates back to the Ayutthaya era. Then it was also called Wat Sakae. The temple was restored during the reign of Rama I (1782-1809).
Temple Wat Saket ( Wat saket) was used for cremation ceremonies that were not allowed to take place within the city walls. During the plague epidemic during the reign of Rama II (1809-24), 30,000 bodies were brought here.
A feature of Wat Saket, or in other words the Temple of the Golden Mountain, is a hill created on its territory, on which there is one of the buildings of the temple and a gilded chedi (pagoda). In order to get to the chedi, you need to overcome 318 steps. To do this, you need to climb a spiral staircase, steep in some places ... But it's worth it. A prize awaits you at the end)
And so we walked along the street and could not decide which attraction to start with. As soon as we were about to go skiing along the canals, we suddenly realized that it was better to start with the oceanarium. We walked 200 meters and a new proposal is to start from the Wat Saket temple. It is good that Siam Niramit's show was excluded from the option to start with him. It was 100% clear with him - the show would start in the evening at a strictly defined time. So, the choice - where to go first, was spent 30 minutes. Finally we moved to the Wat Saket temple.
From Khaosan Road to Wat Saket, about 30 minutes walk. I will tell you how you can get to it in other ways and from other places at the end of the article, but while we walked we came across such funny animals.
Most of the way we walked along Ratchadamnoen Klang street and, accordingly, we could not pass by the Democracy Monument. It creates a roundabout on a wide boulevard. The monument was built in 1939 to commemorate the military coup of 1932, which led to a change in the country's political structure. The absolute monarchy was replaced by a constitutional monarchy.
And so we slowly reached the Wat Saket temple. Honestly, I thought that I’d come to the next temple, I had to go up 318 steps to the top, beat the gong and bake on the roof, because, as experienced people say, you must go up there and see the view of Bangkok. We have already visited and. We liked all this very much. But they were on the plain! And here you have to climb. The fears were well founded. While we were unpacking our bags and deciding where to go, enough time passed, and we arrived at the temple at about 12 noon. Bad timing. And it will be hot on the roof and photos at this time are not very good. Not a regime, so to speak. But what to do. Once you have come, you need to rise with a smile on your lips and enjoy what you see.
How to climb Wat Saket
And you know what? I don't know what Alla felt, but I completely forgot about all my fears as soon as the first steps began. It was very interesting to climb up.
First of all, we were met by the Temple in miniature. And she shone so golden that I wanted to quickly explore the temple.
Entry to the temple grounds is formally free, however you can put 20 baht in the charity box at the top of the temple. This is encouraged.
In the meantime, we slowly climb the stairs, we save our strength. By the way, this year a cafe appeared in the middle of the way, where you can take a break and drink juices.
On our way we meet big and small bells that ring for health. And also a huge gong. We hung on it. It's very fun to hit it and hear the echoes (vibration) in your body. I want to dance.
At the top of the Wat Saket temple
We were not tired at all after going upstairs. Maybe the sound of the bells and the prayers of the monks are doing their job? When we entered a round suite of corridors and rooms, Buddha greeted us in one of his poses. In this one he sat and meditated.
To the left of the entrance, we saw a donation box, put 20 baht each and went to explore the space. There were a lot of windows from which the view of Bangkok was opened. There were benches next to the windows where you could sit and admire the view. Very comfortably. A couple of lovers immediately checked out these places. We did not bother them and walked on. Everyone found something to do in the temple. Someone threw sticks and asked Buddha about their destiny, and someone meditated and became enlightened.
It seemed to be a small room, but after a while I lost Alla and for about 5 minutes looked for her among the tourists. It turns out that I did it in vain. Alla found the steps that led to the roof of the temple. We saw a stunning panorama of Bangkok in all its splendor and poverty. The contrast is still the same:
Tourists get stuck here for a long time. Take a series of photos, breathe in the Thai air, enjoy the views. Thais, for the most part, are busy making wishes and prayers.
The temple is open daily from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. The entrance, as I said, is free. But, nevertheless, it is encouraged if you put at least 20 baht in the donation box. The box is located upstairs, upon entering the room.
How to get to the Temple of Wat Saket
We have tried to collect as much information as possible about the temple for you. Do not be lazy, like one of the buttons)
The Temple of the Golden Mount is located in the Ratanakosin Island area of Bangkok. From the Khao San area you can walk. From the rest of the districts it will be necessary to get there by taxi or bus, since there is no metro near the temple (the nearest station is 2 kilometers away).
City buses stop not far from the temple. Routes number 8, 37 and 47 (travel, depending on the distance and the category of the bus, the cost will vary: from 6 to 23 baht). To find out if a particular bus route passes in the area of your hotel, you can use the service on the official website of BTMA city buses or just ask at the hotel reception.
From Pratunam and Siam districts, the Temple of the Golden Mount can be reached by river taxi. River taxi boats on the Golden Line route, sail in the Pratunam area from under the bridge at the intersection of Phetchaburi and Ratchadamri streets and follow through the Siam area, practically to the Temple of the Golden Mount. You can sit at any stop along the route, and sail to the final stop Phan Fa Lilat. The fare is 13 baht.
Sincerely,
Temple of the Golden Mount or Wat Saket and the Golden Mount) is originally called Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan. This attraction is worth visiting after the "Golden Triangle of Bangkok", which, by the way, does not include either.
How to get to the Temple of the Golden Mount?
The Temple of the Golden Mount is located in the Ratanakosin Island area of Bangkok. Getting to the temple from the Khao San area will not be difficult on foot. From other areas you will have to get by taxi or bus, since there is no metro near the temple (the nearest station is 2 kilometers away).
Not far from the temple, city buses of routes number 8, 37 and 47 make stops (travel, depending on the distance and category of the bus, costs from 6 to 23 baht). To find out if a particular bus route passes in the area of your hotel, you can use the service on the official website of BTMA city buses or just ask at the hotel reception.
From Pratunam and Siam districts, the Temple of the Golden Mount can be reached by river taxi. River taxi boats on the Golden Line route, sail in the Pratunam area from under the bridge at the intersection of Phetchaburi and Ratchadamri streets and follow through the Siam area almost to the Temple of the Golden Mount. You can sit at any stop along the route, and sail to the final stop Phan Fa Lilat. The fare is 13 baht.
Temple of the Golden Mount on Bangkok map:
Near the temple you can buy all sorts of nishtyaks :) It was here that we tried cool Thai ice cream!
The place is really interesting and thoughtful. The very 318 steps that need to be overcome to the top at first seem easy, because there are air humidification systems. It looks great
But at some point it all ends. But then bells are shown, which can be struck. Which is what everyone is doing. It is believed that if you ring these bells, you will be lucky and healthy.
There is even a large gong. A place for a photo, but what about :)
Somewhere there is a piece of Buddha. You can't see her, but you can be around :)
The height of the hill together with the chedi is 76 meters. Until the time when skyscrapers began to be built in the city, the Temple of the Golden Mount pagoda was the most high point Bangkok on the east coast of the Chaopraya River (above there was only the Temple Morning Dawn 88 meters high on west coast). (Infa from the site Nashaplaneta)
The temple and the mountain were originally erected back in the days when the capital of the kingdom was the city of Ayuthaya. Later, starting from the 18th century, the temple was repeatedly completed and improved by the kings of Thailand, until it acquired its current form. When the capital of Thailand moved to Bangkok in the 18th century, the temple was used as a city crematorium. They say that the remains of more than 60 thousand people from the poor population of Bangkok are buried on the territory of the temple (at the base of the mountain). Now, of course, the temple is no longer used as a crematorium. The most interesting feature For tourists in this temple is the fact that an artificial hulk was created on its territory, on which there is one of the buildings of the temple and a gilded chedi (pagoda). (Infa from the site Nashaplaneta)
Near the golden stupa it is fun :) There is such a person for some unknown reason
You can also write your name on the red ribbon by paying a little money on top, which I did:
In fact, the place is worthy of your attention in Bangkok. Have you been to this city?
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The Temple of the Golden Mount or Wat Saket and the Golden Mount is originally called Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan. The temple and the mountain were originally erected back in the days when the capital of the kingdom was the city of Ayuthaya. Later, starting from the 18th century, the temple was repeatedly completed and improved by the kings of Thailand, until it acquired its current form. When the capital of Thailand moved to Bangkok in the 18th century, the temple was used as a city crematorium. They say that the remains of more than 60 thousand people from the poor population of Bangkok are buried on the territory of the temple (at the base of the mountain). Now, of course, the temple is no longer used as a crematorium.
In general, this is a very interesting and famous temple in Bangkok, and you should definitely visit it if you have already managed to get acquainted with the main trinity of Bangkok attractions: Royal Palace, Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Temple of the Morning Dawn. The most interesting feature for tourists in this temple is that on its territory there is an artificial hulk, on which there is one of the buildings of the temple and a gilded chedi (pagoda). The height of the hill together with the chedi is 76 meters. Until the time when skyscrapers began to be built in the city, the Temple of the Golden Mount Pagoda was the highest point in Bangkok on the east coast of the Chaopraya River (only the 88-meter-high Temple of the Morning Dawn was higher on the west coast). Climbing up, you can see an excellent panoramic view of the Ratannakosin Island area of Bangkok from a bird's eye view. To climb up, you have to climb more than 300 steps (they say that exactly 318). When going upstairs, you will pass the bells, which you can safely ring, no one will tell you anything (just do not overdo it, they are very loud). It is believed that if you ring these bells, you will be lucky and healthy. Whether this is true or not, you can check for yourself. When you go upstairs and enter the room at the base of the pagoda, inside it you will need to find another staircase that will lead you to observation deck, where the chedi is located and from where you can see the city.
But this is not the only thing the temple is known for. This place is very revered and visited by Thais, because here, on the top of the mountain, in a special storage in the very center of the building is kept a piece of Buddha's ashes brought from India, but which one is not told to anyone. You will not be able to see the very particle of ashes, but you can see the golden sarcophagus in which it is stored. The sarcophagus is located in the very center of the room at the base of the pagoda, and narrow corridors lead to it, where you can go, but only strictly following the directions indicated by the arrows. Every November, the temple hosts a grand Buddhist festival, during which a huge procession climbs the hill.
The temple itself consists not only of a mountain and a pagoda located on it, as many tourists believe. In fact, the territory of the temple is quite extensive, and the main structure of the temple is located not far from the mountain. It may not stand out in any way from the hundreds of other temples in Bangkok, but if you do get here, it is worth a visit.
Practical information
Entrance fee: visiting the temple is free, but when you climb the mountain, upon entering the room at the base of the pagoda, you should put 10 or more baht in a box as a donation, which will be subtly reminded of the signature and a transparent donation box at the entrance.
Opening hours: daily from 07:30 to 17:30.
How to get there?
The Temple of the Golden Mount is located in the Ratanakosin Island area of Bangkok. Getting to the temple from the Khao San area will not be difficult on foot. From other areas you will have to get by taxi or bus, since there is no metro near the temple (the nearest station is 2 kilometers away).
Not far from the temple, city buses of routes number 8, 37 and 47 make stops (travel, depending on the distance and category of the bus, costs from 6 to 23 baht). To find out if a particular bus route passes in the area of your hotel, you can use the service on the official website of BTMA city buses or just ask at the hotel reception.
From Pratunam and Siam districts, the Temple of the Golden Mount can be reached by river taxi. River taxi boats on the Golden Line route, sail in the Pratunam area from under the bridge at the intersection of Phetchaburi and Ratchadamri streets and follow through the Siam area almost to the Temple of the Golden Mount. You can sit at any stop along the route, and sail to the final stop Phan Fa Lilat. The fare is 13 baht.
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Wat Saket is another nice temple in the historical part of Bangkok, where you can go on the way to some sight. Although a purposeful visit is also an option, since it is not difficult to get to it. As a rule, such temples, as well, are known to everyone, since a huge number of package tourists are brought to them by buses. To a greater extent, this, of course, concerns, because it really has something to see - at the huge figure of the reclining Buddha. Wat Saket is notable mainly for the fact that it offers views of Bangkok, so there are much fewer people here.
It is called the Temple of the Golden Mountain for a reason. The fact is that it is located on an artificially created mountain, and a golden stupa is installed at the very top. Before the skyscraper era, Saket was one of the tallest places in Bangkok. By the way, once this mountain sagged due to the weakness of the soil, but then it was restored. I hope this will not happen anymore, otherwise I am going to return there. Visually, now everything looks very strong, all the grief has been removed into the concrete retaining walls.
Climbing the mountain is not difficult, literally 300 steps. Although it may cause some, but not critical, difficulties for sluggards. The mountain is surrounded by two spiral staircases, one for the ascent, the other for the descent. In fact, which one to climb, no difference. Where in the middle of the ascent there is a cafe for those who are tired. Also on the way there are bells and gongs available for visitors, call your health. And that's why you can't call our Orthodox Christians, it's so great ...
At the very end of the stairs, views of the Bangkok rooftops of both skyscrapers and poor huts open up. We go inside the temple and see several statues typical of a Thai temple, there is even a relic of some kind hidden in the sarcophagus. From here there is a staircase to the roof on observation deck where the same golden stupa is installed. Please note that if it is high day and hot, then it is easier to observe the city from the large windows of the temple, and not from the observation deck.
Many people write that the atmosphere at Wat Saket is quite pleasant, and I can agree with them. Indeed, a kind of an island of tranquility in the very center of a large and noisy city, where you want to stay for a while and escape from your daily affairs and thoughts.
Once, not far from the temple, these lovely creatures were sold
Information to visit
The easiest way to get from the Temple of the Golden Mountain is on foot, it is literally 15 minutes to walk here. For lazy people there are tuk-tuk, they will also take you there without any problems. If you go from another part of the city, then there is no metro, and you can get there either by city buses or by klong (). The latter is relevant if, for example, you are traveling from the Pratunam area, where everyone shopping centers located and. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from there and to the final one. V reverse side, it is also good to ride, do not stand in traffic jams.
Opening hours of the Wat Saket temple from 7.30 to 17.30. It is a pity that you cannot get here in the evening in order to see Bangkok at night.
If you want to find a hotel and stay near this place, choosing accommodation is convenient on RoomGuru, this is a convenient service where you can compare hotel prices in different booking systems.
I have stayed in Bangkok many times and in different hotels. I will not provide links to all my reviews, I will give only a few. - convenient for stopping near the airport and metro, - a good place for an overnight stay near Khaosan, located in the center next to the park.
Opening hours Wat Saket
Numerous ones allow you to get acquainted with one of the most ancient religions of the planet - Buddhism. Each temple is a real work of art. A special atmosphere reigns inside, the architecture is simply mesmerizing, and most importantly, the history of many of them goes back more than one century. The Temple of the Golden Mountain deserves special attention. It has a height of 76 meters and before skyscrapers appeared in the capital, it was the tallest building in the city.
It is no coincidence that the temple will receive its name. It is located on a mountain that was once artificially formed. Throughout the history of the temple, the mountain subsided a little due to the weakness of the soil. Almost immediately, measures were taken to strengthen its foundation, which is why now you can see the concrete walls surrounding the hill from all sides.
To reach the top temple complex you need to overcome 318 steps. At first glance, it may seem that this figure is transcendental, but in reality, no special physical preparation is required from you to climb. The journey takes literally 10-15 minutes.
The ascent will take place along spiral staircases that seem to encircle the hill. There are two of them: one is oriented towards the ascent, the other - towards the descent. But in fact, no one ever watches which ladder should be used in a particular case.
On the way, you will come across a small cafe where you can stop for a short while for a refreshing drink and admire the views of the surrounding area. The first part of the route goes through the jungle, which gives the area some zest.
A little further along the way, numerous bells will begin to meet and, the most interesting thing, everyone can ring any of them. Thais believe in good and evil spirits. And if they try to appease the good with all kinds of donations, then they drive away the evil with loud sounds, including bell ringing.
Temple territory
The territory of the temple complex is quite large and spacious. Interest for tourists is not only the mountain itself, but also the gilded pagoda located on its top. Climbing to the very top, it will open in front of you beautiful view to the capital buildings and the island of Ratanokosin. In the room at the base of the pagoda, there is another small staircase that leads visitors to the observation deck.
Another feature of the temple is that part of the ashes of the Buddha is kept on its territory. At one time he was brought from India. The ashes are placed in a golden sarcophagus. It is installed in the central part of the room located at the foot of the pagoda. To reach the sarcophagus, you need to follow the narrow corridors. For convenience, pointers are installed inside. In November, a religious festival is held on the territory of the temple, for the sake of which pilgrims come from all over the Kingdom.
In addition to the pagoda, at the base of the mountain there is another structure - a temple. Perhaps it is not as large-scale as on the territory of other temple complexes, but at the same time it deserves attention from visitors.
There are benches for resting near the temple. Always take off your shoes before entering the building.
Ticket price and opening hours
You can visit the temple any day, during daylight hours. Its doors are open from 07:30 to 17:30. Entry to the site is free, but donations are welcome in the complex. At the base of the pagoda, you will see a small box into which you can drop any amount. It can be either 10 or 100 baht, all at the discretion of the visitors.
How to get there?
The temple is located in the historical part of the city, near the artificial island of Ratanokosin. If you are on, then it will not be difficult to reach it on foot. From other areas you will have to use the services public transport... The most convenient way to travel is to use a taxi or city bus. Surface metro inconvenient, since the nearest station is two kilometers from the temple.
If you decide to ride shuttle bus, then you need to take the number 8, 47 or 37. They make a stop almost near the temple. The fare will depend on the distance, but, as a rule, it varies between 6-23 baht. Whether any of the marked routes pass near your hotel can be checked at the reception.
If your hotel is located in the Siam or Pratunam area, then you can get to the temple by river tram... You will need to go to final stop Phan Fa Lilat. The ticket price is 13 baht.
Temple of the Golden Mount on the map
On this map, I have marked the exact location of this temple.
In order to enjoy your visit to the temple to the fullest, try to come to it as early as possible, while there is still no main flow of tourists. Do not forget that to visit any religious site there must be an appropriate appearance... Don't wear beach or flashy outfits. Make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered in advance.
