Can you see the Grand Palace and Wat Arun
At the top of the Golden Mountain is a Buddhist shrine and temple, but the real highlight for myself were the panoramic views of Bangkok in all directions.
The main reason why I consider visiting Wat Saket as one of the top things to do in Bangkok is due to the marvelous unblocked views of the city.
View of Bangkok from the Golden Mountain
While ancient landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun can be seen in one direction, skyscrapers and the modern Silom financial district can be seen in the other direction.
A surreal city scape from atop Wat Saket.
The Golden Mount was Bangkok’s tallest structure until the 20th century, and although dwarfed today by modern skyscrapers its location among a protected heritage neighbourhood of two-storey buildings still allows for some impressive 360-degree views of the city.
Above the chaos of Bangkok.
Though the old charnel grounds have long been covered over by shophouses, Wat Saket remains a sprawling temple complex that also includes a cavernous ordination hall and many other smaller buildings, shrines, stupas and alleys. The temple has long been a centre of local and national Buddhist activity, and the temple is as alive today as it has ever been. On important Buddhist holidays, thousands of monks and members of the lay community take part in a candlelight procession that streams from the main hall to the top of the Golden Mount and continues late into the night with chanting, parades and food.
If here around 17:00 you can check out a traditional chanting service in the main hall.
As with all functioning temples or sacred places of any religion, it’s important to be respectful of local culture by acting and dressing appropriately while visiting Wat Saket.