The climb to the top of the mount
To reach the stupa on top of the Golden Mount requires a 318 steps climb up the hill. On one of the platforms on the way to the top you will find a line of large prayer bells that Buddhist people strike producing a very deep tone. Once upstairs you will have great views of Bangkok in all directions.
The huge chedi contains relics of the Buddha, that were brought over from India. The Wat Saket was used to cremate the deceased who were too poor to afford a funeral or cremation. When an epidemic hit Bangkok during the reign of King Rama II, the remains of tens of thousands of poor people were brought here to be cremated.
The Wat Saket temple itself is located at the base of the hill. Most visitors miss it, just climbing to the stupa on top of the hill. In the temple complex you will find an ordination hall or ubosot, a viharn, a Ho Trai where Buddhist scriptures are kept and the monks living quarters.