There is arguably no more beautiful temple in Bangkok to visit at sunset than the Golden Mount, also known as Wat Saket. Located in the old city on an artificial hill, the Golden Mount rises 80 meters high. From there, one enjoys a spectacular view of the ancient temples and the city's imposing skyscrapers.

To reach the summit of Wat Saket, you must climb 344 steps. The path, however, ascends gently with small steps that wind around the mountain – easily manageable for most travelers. A gleaming golden chedi awaits you on the terrace, where you can observe monks and worshippers praying and accumulating merit. The atmosphere at the top, especially during the golden hour, is magical!

We arrived at the entrance just before 6:00 PM, and the soft light already created a peaceful atmosphere. We could see the sun slowly sinking towards the horizon, but we were too close to get a good photo. So Cam ran down the street to the temple walls to capture the Golden Mount in the orange light of the sun filtering through the trees. Then we bought tickets (100 THB for Cam and free for Kat) and climbed the steps.

The entrance to the Golden Mountain

The ascent via the 344 steps of the Golden Mountain

The climb to the Golden Mount is just as enchanting as the temple itself. You ascend a winding red staircase, past lush vegetation, small waterfalls, and fishponds, all the while listening to captivating Buddhist chants. It's a leisurely stroll that takes no more than 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how long you linger for photos and to ring the bells.

The ringing of the prayer bells and gongs for good luck was the most beautiful part of the climb. Just before the summit, there's a huge black and gold gong that you can strike, and another one is located on the terrace. The humming of the gongs and the ringing of the bells accompanied us throughout our entire temple visit.

The stairwell is decorated with Thai flags and the yellow flags of the monarchy, offering fantastic photo opportunities for travelers to Thailand. Along the way, there are many different vantage points to capture the sunset, such as window frames adorned with wind chimes. However, the best view is from the terrace.

Breathtaking sunsets at the summit of Wat Saket

We only had 15 minutes to enjoy the sunset on the terrace before the sun went down, but it was still enough time for photos. From a height of 80 meters, we could look down on the red terracotta roofs of the nearby temples, bathed in golden light – a truly magnificent sight.

As expected, there was a large crowd upstairs, but everyone behaved politely and respectfully. Tourists waited patiently in line for it to open at sunset, while monks and locals prayed and earned merit in the background. The gong sounded a few too many times, thanks to some cheeky tourists, but this didn't disturb the peaceful atmosphere!

Please note that sunset time in Bangkok varies throughout the year, occurring as early as 5:50 pm in November and as late as 6:50 pm in July. It is recommended to arrive an hour beforehand to find the best photo spots and/or enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Press Skybar (with a direct view of the temple).

Wian Thian: The Sacred 3-Round Ritual

For Cam, the highlight of her visit to the Golden Mount was watching Kat perform the "Wian Thian": a ritual circumambulation of the golden chedi of Wat Saket, during which she completed three laps. Kat paid 100 baht for a Sanghadana set (orange robes) and carried it in her hands during the three laps. Afterward, she recited some prayers and presented the robes to the monks.

The three rounds symbolize the "Three Jewels." One round is dedicated to the virtues of Buddha, another to his teachings, and the last to the monastic community that keeps the faith alive. In other contexts, the Wian Thian is offered with candles, lotus flowers, or incense, but during our visit to Wat Saket, the offering was made in the form of Sanghadana sets.

For Kat, these customs are about showing respect for her religion and preserving good karma (or luck). Cam followed her as she circumambulated the chedi three times, weaving between tourists and other worshippers, while Buddhist chants filled the air and the sun began to sink lower. It was an incredibly special moment for both of us.

Is a visit to the Golden Mountain worthwhile?

After enjoying the sunsets and sacred rituals at the top, we decided to descend the 344 steps again. Near the bottom, we came across one last Buddha statue in golden robes. Kat said her final prayer there before we headed straight to the food stalls to refuel with much-needed snacks and refreshments: grilled meat and mango smoothies!

It was hard to leave, as we simply couldn't get enough of the temple. The lights began to twinkle in the night sky, and a crescent moon appeared. It was the perfect ending to a perfect evening! We can wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Golden Mount – it's definitely one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, right after our personal favorite, Wat Paknam.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

What are the opening hours of the Golden Mountain?

The Golden Mount is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We recommend arriving well before 6:00 PM to allow ample time to queue for tickets, climb the 344 steps, and enjoy the sunset. To experience the sunrise, we suggest visiting other temples, such as Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), which opens at 6:00 AM.

What's the best way to get to the Golden Mountain?

The most direct route to the Golden Mount is via Grab taxi. However, Bangkok traffic is notoriously heavy around 5:00 PM, and being stuck in a jam is (to say the least) frustrating. A good alternative is to take the MRT Blue Line to Sam Yot station, followed by a short tuk-tuk ride or a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, you can take a boat across the Saen Saep Canal to Panfa Leelard Pier and walk the last 5 minutes.

Read more: How to get around Bangkok: 15 tips to avoid the traffic

What is the dress code and entrance fee for the Golden Mount?

As in most Thai temples, appropriate attire is required at the Golden Mount (Wat Saket). It is especially important to cover knees, shoulders, and stomach (no sleeveless tops). Cam wore shorts and a t-shirt, Kat wore long pants and a t-shirt, and we had no problems whatsoever. Foreigners pay 100 THB entrance fee; Thais enter free.