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Golden Mount Bangkok (Wat Saket) is undeniably one of the most unique, fascinating, and beautiful temples in Bangkok. If you only have limited time in Bangkok in 2025 and you hope to experience its unique culture, we highly recommend visiting Golden Mount Bangkok.
In this in-depth visitor’s guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan an independent budget trip to Golden Mount Bangkok. This guide includes details on how to get there, the cost, what to expect, and important visitor tips.
We truly enjoyed our visit to Golden Mount Bangkok, but there are essential things you should know before you go. Being prepared will ensure an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Please read this article carefully to help plan your trip.
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Where is the Golden Mount Temple Located?
Wat Saket is located in the Pom Prap district in central Bangkok: 344 Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100.
Is it worth visiting the Golden Mount Temple in Bangkok?
Yes, in our opinion, it is definitely worth visiting the Golden Mount Temple in Bangkok. Firstly, the Golden Mount Temple is one of the most unique temples in the center of Bangkok, situated on top of a large artificial hill. This temple offers excellent and breathtaking views of Bangkok City.
The temple is surrounded by lush, beautiful tropical gardens and water features, giving it a mysterious and beautiful ambiance. What’s more, the Golden Mount Temple is a fantastic way to experience the Buddhist culture of Bangkok. So, if you are looking for a unique and interesting temple experience in Bangkok and have limited time, the Golden Mount is probably the best place to visit.
TOP TIP: You may be interested in a Bangkok Day Tour with Klook (it does not include the Golden Mount but does include some other amazing temples)
Why is the Golden Mount so important?
Wat Saket (also known as the Golden Mount) is one of the most prominent religious and cultural landmarks in Bangkok. It also has a truly fascinating history.
The Golden Mount hill dates back to the 18th Century when King Rama III attempted to build a huge temple. Unfortunately this giant temple collapsed during construction because the ground could not support the weight. Over the following decades the abandoned structure began to take the shape of a hill and became overgrown with mud and weeds. During the reign of King Rama I, a new temple and stupa was built on top of this artificial hill (the remains of the original temple). Wat Saket also played a somber role in the 19th century when it was used as a crematorium for the victims of a cholera outbreak.
Religiously, Wat Saket is a Buddhist temple that is thought to hold the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth. This relic is enshrined within the temple, making it a place of veneration for Buddhists. The temple complex houses several prayer halls and statues of Buddha, providing a serene environment for meditation and worship. Buddhists ascend 325 steps to the top of the Golden Mount as an act of merit-making, offering prayers and ringing bells along the way. This spiritual journey symbolizes the path towards enlightenment, reflecting the core principles of Buddhism..
How much does it cost to visit the Golden Mount?
Entrance to Wat Saket costs 100 baht per person. This fee applies if you want to ascend the hill and explore the temple. However, there is also much to see from the bottom for free. Local Thai Buddhists do not need to pay to enter Wat Saket.
How do you get to the Golden Mount Temple?
1 Use a taxi
The best way to get to the Golden Mount in Bangkok is to use a local taxi. Local taxis in Bangkok are relatively cheap, fast, and affordable. You can either flag a taxi at the side of the road or use a taxi app to order one. Using a taxi app is advantageous for speed and price since it’s more challenging to flag a taxi from the side of the road due to the popularity of taxi apps. If you choose to flag a taxi, be prepared to negotiate for a fair price.
There are a couple of main taxi apps in Thailand, such as Grab or Bolt. On average, Bolt taxis are slightly cheaper, but they may take longer to arrive. If you opt for a taxi app in Thailand, we recommend buying a local SIM card with mobile data, as they are affordable and offer packages with plenty of data. Once you have your SIM card, download the app from your app store, register an account using your local phone number and email address, and then use the app to order taxis on the go. This is a quick, efficient, and affordable way to get around in Bangkok.
2 Take a tuk tuk
Alternatively, you can use Tuk Tuks to get around in Bangkok. However, be aware that Tuk Tuks are generally more expensive than local taxis due to the novelty of the experience. Negotiating a fair price with a Tuk Tuk driver is also necessary. We don’t recommend Tuk Tuks unless you’re interested in the novelty and fun of the experience.
3 Take the MRT (subway)
If you’re traveling during Bangkok’s rush hour, it might be faster to take an MRT train and then walk to the Golden Mount Temple. To do this, use the blue loop line and take the MRT to Sam Yot. From there, it’s about a 1 km walk, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes, assuming you know the way.
When is the best time to visit the Golden Mount Bangkok?
In our opinion, the best time to visit the Golden Mount is early in the morning, close to the opening time at 7:30 am. At this time, the temple is beautiful and quiet, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Alternatively, visiting close to closing time, around 6:00 pm, offers a stunning sunset view.
Opening Hours at the Golden Mount Temple
The Golden Mount is open daily from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm.
What can you see and do at the Golden Mount Temple?
There is much to see and do at Wat Saket in Bangkok. We recommend allocating around 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to explore this temple. Here are some of the things you can see and do:
1 Ascend the hill
The ticket entrance is located on the southeast corner of Wat Saket. To ascend the hill, you’ll need to purchase a ticket here. Follow a pathway that winds around the hill and climbs 325 steps to the peak. Along this pathway, you can enjoy gardens and water features, and you’ll come across small statues and shrines.
As you ascend, you’ll see mist swirling mysteriously in the gardens, and as you get closer to the temple, you’ll have views over the Chao Phraya River and East Bangkok. Continue ascending for views to the north and then towards Sukhumvit in the west. Finally, when you reach the temple entrance, you’ll be rewarded with an impressive view of the business district (Si Lom) and the south of Bangkok.
2 Explore the temple
At the temple entrance, you’ll notice a sign to keep your shoes on. This is unique and unusual for temples in Bangkok, where usually you’d need to remove your shoes before entering. However, you’ll need to descend via a different route, so keep your shoes on.
Inside the temple, you’ll encounter a wide range of artifacts, monuments, statues, and shrines. There are also windows that offer beautiful views over Bangkok. In the corner of the temple, you’ll see a staircase directing you to go up to the roof.
On the roof, you’ll find an impressive golden stupa and breathtaking views in every direction over Bangkok. Take some time to enjoy the view. When you’re ready to leave, you’ll notice a staircase in the corner of the roof, which will lead you back down the hill. The descent route is different from the ascent.
3 Walk around the road at the bottom of the hill
After reaching the bottom of the hill, you can continue walking around the road and enjoy the scenery until you return to the main entrance area. Don’t miss the Bamiyan Museum by the entrance, which features a large cave, a Buddha statue on the walls, and ancient manuscripts.
Is the Golden Mount Temple suitable for families?
The Golden Mount in Bangkok is suitable for families with children of all ages. Our 3-year-old boy enjoyed exploring this area, and we found the locals to be welcoming and friendly toward us. If you visit with younger children, we recommend talking to them about being respectful and supervising them carefully. It’s also worth mentioning that older children may get more out of the experience, making it a great opportunity for world schooling during your travels.
Is the Golden Mount Accessible?
Please note that the Golden Mount is not accessible to prams or wheelchair users. The pathway up the hill to the temple consists of 325 steps, and there are no alternative routes. If you’re visiting with young children, using a baby carrier or sling is recommended.
Here are a few cultural tips if you plan to visit Wat Saket
- Dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees. This applies to both men and women.
- Inside the temple building, you do not need to remove your shoes. Be quiet and respectful, avoiding disturbances for those who come to meditate, pray, or make offerings.
What facilities are at the Golden Mount Temple?
The facilities at the Golden Mount are relatively good. There are public toilets, food stalls on the road at the bottom of the temple where you can purchase snacks and drinks, and a small gift shop near the ticket office. You can rent long clothes at the gift shop to cover your shoulders and knees if visiting the temple.
