Wat Saket, a royal temple in the old city, is best known for Phu Khao Thong, the "Golden Mount": an artificial hill crowned by a golden chedi, reached by a spiral staircase of 344 steps. At the top, the terrace gives a 360-degree panorama over Rattanakosin, the temple roofs and the towers of the city centre. The climb is easy, shaded in places and punctuated by bells and small waterfalls. The temple is a 10-minute walk from the Loha Prasat and 25 to 30 minutes from Khao San Road: allow about an hour for the climb, the summit and the temple courtyard.
Highlights
The golden chedi at the top
King Rama III wanted to raise a huge chedi here, which collapsed into Bangkok's soft ground; the rubble, overgrown with vegetation, formed the hill. The current chedi was completed under Rama V, who had relics of the Buddha from India enshrined in it. Walk around it clockwise, then climb to the last terrace for the view.
The cholera vultures
At the foot of the staircase, sculptures of vultures leaning over a body recall the cholera epidemics of the 19th century. Wat Saket was then used as a cremation ground, and the vultures circling above the temple survive in a Thai expression, "the vultures of Wat Saket".
The temple courtyard
Down below, Wat Saket is an Ayutthaya-period temple, restored and renamed under Rama I. Its white galleries with red and green roofs frame the view of the Golden Mount: a calm stop, often uncrowded, after the descent.
The bells and gongs
Along the climb, rows of bronze bells wait to be struck while making a wish for good fortune. It is allowed; do it gently.
The Golden Mount Fair
Every year, around Loy Krathong (in November), the temple holds a big fair lasting 7 days and 7 nights, with food stalls, games and a candlelit procession around the hill. Crowds are then very heavy.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Entry to the temple courtyard is free; the climb to the Golden Mount costs 100 baht for foreign visitors and is free for Thai nationals (price displayed on site, no official website publishes it). Cover your shoulders and knees, and expect to take off your shoes in the chedi room. Bring water: the climb is short but the heat and humidity quickly make it tiring in the middle of the day. Beware of tuk-tuk drivers who tell you the temple is closed: see the [scams to avoid in Bangkok](/fr/articles/arnaques-securite-bangkok). Prices checked in October 2026.
How to get there
Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan, Chakkraphatdi Phong Road, Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, east of Phan Fa Lilat Bridge, on the edge of the old city. Boat: the Khlong Saen Saep boat line ends at Phan Fa Lilat pier, a 5-minute walk away. Metro: the nearest MRT station is Sam Yot (Blue Line), about a 15 to 20-minute walk. On foot, allow 25 to 30 minutes from Khao San Road; see also our guide to [Banglamphu and the old city](/fr/articles/banglamphu-vieille-ville-bangkok).
Opening hours
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