Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket) in Bangkok: Complete Guide

If there’s one temple in Bangkok we keep coming back to, it’s Wat Saket – better known as the Golden Mount. We’ve visited twice now, and it’s quickly become one of our favorites in the city.

Over the years, it’s definitely gotten more popular with visitors, but somehow it still keeps a calm, spiritual atmosphere that’s rare to find in the middle of bustling Bangkok.

Unlike the city’s grand and ornate temples, Wat Saket feels a little more down to earth – and that’s part of its charm.

What really makes it stand out, though, is the climb to the top of the Golden Mount. The views over Bangkok are honestly some of the best you’ll get without stepping into a skyscraper. Sunset up here is something special.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting – from the history and atmosphere, to how to get there, entrance fees, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of your visit.

At a Glance

The Golden Mount Temple sits just outside Bangkok’s old city walls, surrounded by street food stalls, sleepy backstreets, and the chaos of the city beyond.

It looks picture-perfect in photos, with its golden chedi rising above the trees — but there’s one thing we didn’t expect until we climbed it ourselves (more on that below).

Getting here isn’t the easiest compared to Bangkok’s more central temples (we’ll explain later), but that’s part of the experience. It feels surprisingly peaceful given how close you are to the traffic.

Why we think it’s worth it

If you’re wondering whether it deserves a spot on your Thailand itinerary, we’d say yes — it’s one of our personal favorites. This isn’t the grandest temple in Bangkok, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it stands out for its unique mix of atmosphere and views.

So why visit? The views alone make it worth it. But beyond that, we loved that it still holds on to a sense of spirituality that bigger, flashier temples sometimes lose.

Where is Golden Mount

The Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket) sits just outside Bangkok’s old city area, a short distance from the famous Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It’s not right on the main tourist circuit, but it’s close enough that you can combine it with other major sights in the same day.

• From the Grand Palace / Wat Pho: around 10 minutes by car or 25–30 minutes on foot.
• From Khao San Road: less than 10 minutes by car, or about a 20-minute walk.
• From Chinatown (Yaowarat Road): roughly 15 minutes by car.

Here’s the exact location on Google Maps.

How to get there

Getting to Wat Saket isn’t as straightforward as hopping on the BTS or MRT — it’s tucked just outside the main public transport lines. But that’s part of why it feels a little more peaceful than Bangkok’s busier temples. Here are the best ways to reach it:

By MRT

The closest station is Sam Yot on the Blue Line. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Golden Mount. It’s a good option if you’re staying near an MRT stop and want to avoid traffic.

Using Grab

Honestly, this was our favorite way of getting around Bangkok. We always used GrabBike rather than cars — it’s fast, cheap, and you don’t get stuck in traffic. Plus, zipping through Bangkok on the back of a bike is an adventure in itself.

Public bus

We found Bangkok’s buses surprisingly easy to use, thanks to Google Maps. Just type in your final destination, choose the public transport option, and it will show you exactly which bus to take, where the stop is, and even the schedule.

It was not that fast due to traffic, but it’s a cheap option.

Walk

If you’re exploring the Old Town, you can walk. It’s around 20 minutes from Khao San Road or 30 minutes from the Grand Palace. Just watch the heat — this isn’t a midday stroll.

By canal boat

A fun, local alternative. Use the Khlong Saen Saep Boat Service. Get off at Phan Fa Lilat Pier and walk about 5–10 minutes. It’s cheap, quick, and you get to see a side of Bangkok most visitors skip.

Entrance fees

Tickets are sold right at the entrance before you begin the climb. No need to book in advance — just show up, pay in cash, and head in.

Our experience at Wat Saket

Climbing the stairs

The first time we saw the stairway spiraling up the Golden Mount, we thought, this is going to be tough in Bangkok’s heat. But honestly, it wasn’t nearly as bad as it looks.

We really loved the first sections with small streams, fountains, and mist. It creates such a magical atmosphere and sets the mood for the whole climb.

Statues of Buddha and animals are scattered along the way, and there is even a small pond filled with koi fish.

There’s even the Golden Mount Café along the path, which makes a perfect little break if you need one.

The second part of the climb is a different story. Once you leave the shaded area, you’re suddenly exposed to the Bangkok heat, and it hits hard. This stretch felt much tougher, especially in the afternoon.

Along the way, we passed a massive gong and then a row of ringing bells. The tradition is to make a wish and ring each one.

Just before the top, there’s a small prayer room. It is a bit of a lifesaver — air-conditioned, with a vending machine for cold drinks if you need one.

At the top

As we got closer to the top, the views kept getting better and better. Reaching the top was the cherry on the cake.

The golden chedi glows so brightly it almost feels unreal, and then you step out onto the terrace — and suddenly, Bangkok stretches in every direction.

We loved how you can see the contrasts so clearly from up there: the old city with its temples and rooftops on one side, and the modern skyline pushing up in the distance.

If you’re religious, you can pray to Buddha pictures at the top.

Descent and other attractions

The way down takes you along a different path, so it doesn’t feel repetitive at all.

At the bottom, you can see the Buddha’s footprint, located in a quieter corner. It’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

Further along is one of the most unusual things we’ve seen at a temple: the “Vultures of Wat Saket” monument. It’s a grim but fascinating display of vultures surrounding a decaying body laid on an altar.

It represents a dark chapter of Bangkok’s history, when a cholera outbreak left thousands of bodies to be dealt with here.

Dress Code

Like any temple, you’re expected to dress respectfully — shoulders and knees covered, both women and men. It’s not as strict as the Grand Palace, but we still kept it modest out of respect.

History of Wat Saket

Wat Saket is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, dating back to the Ayutthaya era. The Golden Mount itself was started in the 1800s under King Rama III, when a huge chedi was planned.

The ground couldn’t support the weight, so the structure collapsed. Instead of giving up, later kings turned the mound into the artificial hill we see today, crowned by the golden chedi.

The temple also has a darker past. During a cholera outbreak in the 19th century, thousands of bodies were brought here for cremation.

Vultures gathered in such numbers that they became part of the temple’s history, now remembered in the “Vultures of Wat Saket” monument at the base of the hill.

Facilities

• Restrooms – available near the entrance and at the base of the climb
• Drink stalls – cold water and soft drinks are sold at the bottom
• Golden Mount Café – a small cafe along the way
• Souvenir shops – small stands with amulets, charms, and souvenirs
• Vending machine – get drinks or snacks at the top

Best time to visit

The Golden Mount is open all day, but the experience changes a lot depending on when you go.

If you want peace and quiet, the best time is early in the morning, just after the temple opens. The air is cooler, the climb feels easier, and there’s a calm, spiritual vibe before most of the crowds arrive.

Late afternoon, especially just before sunset, is another fantastic time. As the sun drops, the golden chedi glows in the soft light, and the views over Bangkok become unforgettable.

Midday, on the other hand, is when we’d avoid visiting. The stairs are exposed, and the Bangkok heat makes the climb much more challenging than it needs to be.

Where to stay in Bangkok

• Khao San Road / Banglamphu – Cheap and lively with nonstop nightlife, but hostels here often feel a bit run-down. We’ve stayed near Khao San a few times, and while it was budget-friendly, the places weren’t very well-maintained.
• Sukhumvit – Modern and comfortable, with malls, rooftop bars, and great BTS connections. Last time we stayed here and it felt much nicer and more convenient.
• Siam – Perfect for shopping and families, with huge malls and easy transport, though a bit commercial.
• Silom – A mix of business district and local vibes, close to Lumphini Park and night markets.
• Riverside – Scenic and relaxed with luxury hotels and boat access, but less connected to BTS/MRT.

👉 Based on our experience, we’d recommend Sukhumvit or Siam if you want comfort and convenience, and only choose Khao San if you’re after the budget/party vibe.

Other places to visit nearby

Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat) – Just a short walk from the Golden Mount. We found it surprisingly quiet compared to other temples, and the tiered “metal castle” design is unlike anything else in Bangkok.

Khao San Road – About 20 minutes on foot. We’ll be honest: it’s chaotic and not really our scene for long, but it’s worth walking through once for the energy (and the street food).

Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) – This quickly became one of our favorite food areas in Bangkok. In the evening, the streets transform into a sea of neon lights and food stalls.

The Grand Palace & Wat Pho – These are must-sees in Bangkok, but we recommend saving them for a different day since they’re much bigger and require more time.

Final Thoughts

Out of all the temples in Bangkok, the Golden Mount has a special place for us. It might not be the most famous or the most impressive at first glance, but there’s something about the climb, the bells, and the view from the top that makes it unforgettable.

We’ve been twice now, and each time it felt both peaceful and rewarding — the kind of place that stays with you after you leave.

If you’ve only got time for the big-name attractions, you might be tempted to skip it. But honestly, we think it’s one of the best spots to slow down and see a different side of Bangkok’s spiritual life.

Add in the panoramic views and the easy connections to nearby sights, and it’s hard not to recommend.