How to Visit Wat Saket and the Golden Mount in Bangkok (2026)

Planning a visit to Wat Saket and the Golden Mount Bangkok? We cover everything you need to know, from getting there to when to visit.

Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan, better known as Wat Saket and the Golden Mount, is one of the best places in Bangkok to visit if you want to combine history, culture and one of the city’s most rewarding viewpoints. Unlike some of Bangkok’s grander temples, Wat Saket is relatively compact and easy to explore, making it a great addition to a day sightseeing around Bangkok’s Old Town.

The temple is famous for Phu Khao Thong, or the Golden Mount, a man-made hill topped by a gleaming golden chedi. To reach the chedi, you walk up a winding staircase around the hillside, passing trees, bells, statues and small shrines along the way. At the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views across Bangkok, including the Old Town and the many skyscrapers rising in the distance.

Wat Saket is also a working Buddhist temple rather than simply a tourist attraction, so visiting is as much about experiencing a living place of worship as it is about taking photographs and enjoying the view.

How to Visit Wat Saket and the Golden Mount in Bangkok

Where is Wat Saket?

Wat Saket is located in Bangkok’s Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, close to the historic centre of the city. The temple sits beside Khlong Mahanak and Khlong Rop Krung, making it particularly easy to combine with other attractions in Bangkok’s Old Town. 

The full address is 344 Chakkraphatdi Phong Road, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100.

One of the advantages of its location is that you can combine a visit to Wat Saket with several other attractions without having to cross the city. Depending on your itinerary, you could visit the Golden Mount alongside Wat Ratchanatdaram, the Giant Swing, Wat Suthat, the Democracy Monument, Chinatown or the Grand Palace.

If you’re planning a full day exploring Bangkok’s historic centre, Wat Saket makes a particularly good stop either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

What is the Golden Mount?

The name Golden Mount generally refers to Phu Khao Thong, the artificial hill within the grounds of Wat Saket. The name can be slightly confusing because you’re not actually climbing a natural mountain. Instead, the Golden Mount rises above the surrounding neighbourhood and is topped by a golden chedi, creating one of the most distinctive landmarks in Bangkok’s Old Town.

The hill itself is what makes this temple different from many of Bangkok’s other famous temples. Rather than simply walking through a large courtyard filled with buildings, your visit involves gradually climbing towards the summit.

The staircase winds around the outside of the hill, meaning you don’t feel as though you’re climbing hundreds of steps in one straight staircase. There are places to pause along the way, and the journey itself is part of the experience.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand notes that the route to the top includes 344 steps, with the Buddha relics and religious objects enshrined at the summit. 

Although 344 steps might sound like a lot, the climb is manageable for most visitors if you take your time. The bigger challenge in Bangkok is often the heat and humidity, rather than the stairs themselves.

How to get to Wat Saket

There isn’t a BTS or MRT station directly outside Wat Saket, so most visitors will use a combination of public transport and walking, or simply take a taxi or ride-hailing service.

• By taxi or Grab

For many visitors, the easiest option is to use Grab or a metered taxi and enter Wat Saket as your destination. This is particularly convenient if you’re travelling with children, older relatives or several people, because you can be dropped relatively close to the temple entrance. Traffic can be heavy around Bangkok’s Old Town, however, so allow extra time if you’re travelling during busy periods.

If you’re staying in central Bangkok, you may also find that a taxi journey takes longer than expected even though the distance isn’t particularly far.

• By MRT

– The closest MRT stations are not immediately beside the temple, so using the MRT usually involves a walk or another short connection. One useful strategy is to use the MRT to get into the Old Town area and then take a short taxi or Grab ride for the final section.

• By canal boat

Another interesting option is travelling by Bangkok’s canal boats. The Saen Saep canal boat network can be useful depending on where you’re staying, and the Golden Mount area is relatively close to the canal network. This can be a fun way to reach the historic centre while avoiding some of Bangkok’s notorious road traffic.

If you’re already planning to use the canal boat as part of your Bangkok sightseeing, it’s worth considering this option.

• Walking

Wat Saket is also a good destination to reach on foot if you’re already exploring Bangkok’s Old Town.

For example, you could create a walking route that includes:

Wat Saket → Wat Ratchanatdaram → Giant Swing → Wat Suthat → Chinatown

This gives you a much better feel for historic Bangkok than simply travelling from attraction to attraction by taxi.

How much does Wat Saket cost?

Wat Saket has traditionally been an inexpensive attraction compared with some of Bangkok’s major tourist sites. When we visited, prices were listed as free for Thai visitors and 50 baht for foreign visitors, although admission arrangements and fees can change.  It’s therefore a good budget-friendly attraction to add to your Bangkok itinerary.

Wat Saket opening hours

The Tourism Authority of Thailand previously listed Wat Saket as open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

If you’re specifically visiting to climb the Golden Mount, I would aim for early morning or late afternoon rather than arriving in the middle of the day.

When is the best time to visit the Golden Mount?

The best time to visit Wat Saket is generally early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Bangkok can become extremely hot, and climbing 344 steps in the middle of the day can be considerably less enjoyable than doing it when temperatures are lower.

• Early morning: Morning is a great choice if you’re an early riser. You’ll generally have cooler temperatures and can enjoy the temple before the busiest part of the day. It’s also a particularly atmospheric time to visit a working Buddhist temple, when you may see monks and local worshippers going about their daily routines.
• Late afternoon: Late afternoon is another excellent option; the sun becomes less intense, and the light can be beautiful from the top of the Golden Mount. If you’re lucky enough to visit around sunset, you may see Bangkok change from daylight into an enormous cityscape of illuminated buildings. However, don’t leave your visit too late without checking the current access hours. You don’t want to arrive just as the upper section is closing.
• Avoid the middle of the day: If you only have one opportunity to visit, I’d avoid the hottest part of the afternoon. The stairs themselves aren’t particularly difficult, but Bangkok’s heat can make the climb feel considerably harder. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes and take your time.

Climbing the Golden Mount

Once you enter the temple grounds, follow the signs towards the Golden Mount. The staircase begins around the base of the artificial hill and gradually winds upwards.

One of the nicest things about the climb is that you aren’t simply staring at a staircase the entire way. As you walk upwards, you’ll encounter bells, greenery, Buddhist imagery, statues and small areas where you can stop and rest. You’ll also start getting glimpses of Bangkok through the trees.

There are 344 steps to the top, but don’t feel that you need to rush. This isn’t a hike where reaching the summit as quickly as possible is the objective. Take your time, stop for photographs and enjoy the changing views.

You’ll probably notice that the climb feels much easier than the number 344 initially suggests because the staircase is spread around the hill.

One of the charming details you’ll notice as you climb the Golden Mount is the collection of bells. Visitors can ring some of the bells, creating a distinctive sound as people make their way around the hill. You’ll also see Buddhist imagery and religious features throughout the climb, which help make this more than simply a viewpoint.

Remember that Wat Saket is a religious site, so be respectful when taking photographs and avoid treating areas used for worship as though they were simply photo props.

What you’ll see at the top

Eventually, the staircase brings you to the upper section of the Golden Mount. The golden chedi is the main attraction here. The summit is also where you’ll find the temple’s important Buddhist relics and religious features but for many visitors, the biggest reward is the 360-degree view of Bangkok.

From here, you can look across the historic centre and see how dramatically Bangkok has developed around it. Close to you are traditional temples, old neighbourhoods and historic buildings, while further away you’ll see Bangkok’s modern skyline.

This is one of the reasons I think the Golden Mount is such a good viewpoint for first-time visitors to Bangkok. You’re not simply looking at skyscrapers; you’re seeing the relationship between old Bangkok and modern Bangkok.

The views from the Golden Mount

The views are arguably the biggest reason to make the climb. From the top, you can see across much of the city, with views extending towards Bangkok’s modern skyline and the historic heart of the capital. On a clear day, you can pick out some of Bangkok’s most recognisable landmarks.

The perspective is particularly interesting because the Golden Mount isn’t surrounded by huge skyscrapers. Instead, you’re looking over a mixture of traditional rooftops, temples, roads, trees and modern buildings. It’s a very different view from the observation decks at Bangkok’s skyscrapers. Instead of looking down from an enormous modern tower, you’re standing on a historic religious landmark in the middle of the Old Town.

How long do you need at Wat Saket?

I’d allow around 1 to 1.5 hours for a relaxed visit. You can do it more quickly if you’re short on time, but there’s no reason to rush.

If you’re particularly interested in photography, history or architecture, you could easily spend longer.

What should you wear?

Wat Saket is a Buddhist temple, so you should dress respectfully. As a general rule, cover your shoulders and knees and avoid clothing that is excessively revealing.

You’ll also want to think practically about the weather.

Wear:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight clothing
• Something that covers your shoulders if necessary
• A hat for the walk
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Plenty of water

Remember that you’re going to be climbing 344 steps, so this probably isn’t the place for uncomfortable shoes!

Is the Golden Mount difficult to climb?

For most reasonably mobile visitors, the Golden Mount is manageable rather than strenuous. The staircase isn’t one continuous vertical climb, and there are plenty of opportunities to slow down. However, if you’re visiting Bangkok during a particularly hot or humid day, you may find it tiring; older visitors, young children and anyone with mobility problems may want to take extra care.

The biggest thing to remember is that there is no prize for reaching the top quickly. Stop when you need to, drink water and enjoy the journey. If you aren’t comfortable with stairs, the Golden Mount may not be the ideal attraction for you, because reaching the chedi requires climbing the staircase.

Photography at Wat Saket

Bring your camera because the Golden Mount offers some fantastic photography opportunities, even the staircase itself is photogenic, particularly with the greenery surrounding it.

The best views are generally from the upper levels, but don’t forget to turn around during the climb; ome of the nicest photographs are taken from halfway up, where the staircase and surrounding vegetation frame the Bangkok skyline.

Visiting Wat Saket respectfully

It’s important to remember that Wat Saket isn’t just an attraction. it’s a working Buddhist temple, and local people visit to worship. Keep your voice down around religious areas, don’t interrupt people who are praying and follow any signs asking visitors not to enter particular spaces.

When photographing people, particularly monks or worshippers, be considerate.

You should also remove your shoes when entering areas where footwear is not permitted.

What to visit near Wat Saket

One of the best things about the Golden Mount is its location. You can easily turn a visit into a wider Old Bangkok sightseeing day.

1. Wat Ratchanatdaram: Famous for its distinctive Loha Prasat, this is relatively close to Wat Saket. The unusual multi-tiered structure makes it one of the most recognisable temples in this part of Bangkok.
2. Giant Swing: The Giant Swing is another historic Bangkok landmark that can be combined with Wat Saket. It’s close to Wat Suthat and makes a convenient stop as part of a walking route.
3. Wat Suthat: Wat Suthat is one of Bangkok’s major historic temples and is particularly famous for its enormous Buddha image and beautiful interior.
4. Chinatown: If you’re visiting later in the day, you could continue towards Bangkok’s Chinatown. Yaowarat is especially atmospheric in the evening, making it a great place to finish a day exploring the Old Town.
5. Grand Palace and Wat Pho: If you’re planning a full day of sightseeing, you can also combine Wat Saket with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. However, don’t try to squeeze too many major temples into one day. You’ll enjoy the experience much more if you give yourself time to actually explore each place.

Wat Saket: Things to Know Before You Go

• Location: 344 Chakkraphatdi Phong Road, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
• Opening: Current listings indicate roughly 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, although tourist access can vary; older Tourism Authority information lists 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Check locally before visiting.
• Entrance: The Tourism Authority of Thailand lists 50 baht for foreign visitors and free admission for Thai visitors, but fees can change. 
• Steps: 344 steps to the top. 
• Time needed: Around 1–1.5 hours.
• Dress: Cover shoulders and knees and dress respectfully.
• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon.
• Bring: Water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
• Best for: Views, photography, history, architecture and experiencing one of Bangkok’s working Buddhist temples.

Ultimately, Wat Saket and the Golden Mount are a great reminder that some of Bangkok’s best experiences don’t require a huge entrance fee or an entire day. Take your time climbing the winding staircase, listen to the bells, explore the temple and then spend a few minutes at the top taking in the incredible contrast between Bangkok’s historic Old Town and its modern skyline.

Wat Saket and Golden Mount Bangkok FAQ