Wat Saket Verified listing

With origins that can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period, Wat Saket, popularly known as the Golden Mount or ‘Phu Khao Thong’, is a man-made hill crowned with a striking gold stupa. During the late 18th century, Wat Saket served as the capital’s crematorium and dumping ground for some 60,000 plague victims. Today the temple better known for its annual week-long Loy Krathong temple fair in November. During this time, worshippers make a candlelit pilgrimage to the top of the Golden Mount via 300-some paved steps that coil around the structure.

The grounds of Wat Saket feature shady trees and typical Buddhist structures – the main draw is the Golden Mount. Older children will enjoy climbing up the stupa. Along the way, there are walls of bells to ring. At the top, panoramic vistas of historic Bangkok unfold.

Families can combine a visit to Wat Saket with a trip to nearby attractions on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, including Loha Prasart and the Democracy Monument.