Amid the rapidly rising tangle of metropolises, there exists a place offering momentary respite. Just as significant is the Temple of Wat Saket, also called the Temple of the Golden Mount. Yes, this is a temple of considerable worship, and at the same time, it is also a Golden Mount, which will help one to free oneself from the tensions of city life.
Wat Saket- A Spiritual Haven
Wat Saket in Bangkok is an ancient religious structure of the Buddhist period located on an artificial hill in the Rattanakosin district. Among the temples that were constructed in this region, some of them belong to the era of the Ayutthaya kingdom. They are significant parts of Thailand’s history and are substantial to religion.
1. History Of Wat Saket
It was first constructed in 1807 when the kingdom of Siam was still under the reign of King Rama I, and it was also used as the city’s crematory. However, according to Wat Saket history and historical evidence, it was only in the nineteenth century that the place came to be utilised as a temple during the reign of the third monarch of the Chakri dynasty, Rama the Third. The word Golden Mount came from a landmark commissioned by King Rama III. The temple is more famous for that name.
Tip: Feast your eyes on the ancient images depicting historic scenes and explore the temple’s interior and similar artefacts.
Major Attraction: The Golden Mount, a sculpture of Lord Buddha that offers a beautiful view of Bangkok, is an important archaeological site that should be noted.
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2. Exploring The Temple Grounds
The premises of the temple at Wat Saket generally have artistic features: gardening, artistic sculpture, and architectural masterpieces; in addition, the courtyards were created to give a befitting environment for spiritual rejuvenation.
Tip: derived with complete personal satisfaction and enriched by meditation/contemplation amid a serene environment.
Major Attraction: The temple’s well-tended gardens and holy images bring calmness to souls, and people enjoy their spirituality.
3. Wat Saket Entrance Fee And Tickets
Image Credit: กสิณธร ราชโอรส for Wikipedia Commons
Although a temple is an open place or area in Thailand, for example, if Thai people can pay for the entrance fee for foreigners, there is a price to pay to get in. Wat Saket Tickets can be purchased on the spot at the entrance to the temple; for tourists with heightened attention to the hall, guided tours are allowed, where the myths and history of the given structure itself are told.
Tip: As suggested earlier, plan your visit to Wat Saket in the earlier part of the day to avoid large crowds and capture the serenity of the place.
Major Attraction: The relative ease and cheapness with which tourists can gain access and patronise Wat Saket makes it an utterance of relief for local and international tourists looking for a place of worship.
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4. Immersing In Spiritual Practices
Visitors are allowed to wander inside the temple and engage in the usual Buddhist practices observable at the Wat Saket temple. Witness the daily monastic chanting and religious ceremonies that occur in the monasteries or participate in other merit-making activities like providing food to the monks.
Tip: Light incense and offer prayers to the gods so that locals bestow their favourable energies and prosperity upon you.
Major attraction: The daily prayers and merit-making processes give a more detailed view of Thai Buddhism, its beliefs, and modern society’s practices.
5. Experiencing Cultural Festivals
The temple itself has the opportunity to approach different cultural and religious festivals or other fabulous celebrations throughout the year and make tourists pay attention to the Thai cultural heritage of Wat Saket.
Starting from the Loy Krathong festival, where the float is beautifully displayed in the form of a star, to the main tourism-attracting Songkran festival, it is worth noting that each festival is highly culturally valued and teamed with a lot of symbolism.
Tip: Visit this temple during a festival to observe the life, music, colours, and dances there.
Major attraction: The cultural festivals at Wat Saket present the interested party to Thailand’s supreme cultures and festivities.
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Appreciating Architectural Beauty
The visible commendable works and architecture of Wat Saket stand as a testimony to Thais’s creativity and construction expertise. Stupas and other motifs and sculptures enhance the temple’s halls and elaborate on the idea of Thai architectural design behind the structure. The design and construction of Wat Saket depict the elegance, style, and creativity of Thai artists and artisans. As you wander around the temple in a perambulator, look for the architectural designs throughout the compound.
Exploring The Golden Mount
The Golden Mount atop Wat Saket is another rewarding structure providing tourists with a magnificent view of the Bangkok skyline. This three hundred eighteen-step staircase is a real challenge to reach the top, where breathtaking views are admired at each level. Climb up this steep tower known as the Golden Mount to watch a mesmerising view of the sunset or sunrise. Tourists visiting the area will find that the Golden Mount offers a breathtaking view of Bangkok, and the scenery is perfect for good shots.
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Wat Saket is a timeless depiction of Bangkok’s rich cultural legacy and spiritual heritage. Amidst its tranquil surroundings and storied past, visitors find solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. Plan your trip to Thailand today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wat Saket
What is the history of Wat Saket?
Wat Saket, initially a crematorium, was transformed into a temple during the reign of King Rama III in the 19th century.
What is the entrance fee for Wat Saket?
Although Thai citizens can enter this ground for free, visitors from other countries can enter it, and a small fee is charged.
Are guided tours available at Wat Saket?
Guided tours exist for those wishing to learn more about the temple. But they will charge some extra amount to give you the complete tour of the temple.
What are the temple's opening hours?
It is equally important to note that they are not closed any day; Wat Saket is open throughout the week at these specific times. This place is relatively small and overcrowded, although tourists should visit attractions in the morning when there are as few people as possible.
What should I not miss at Wat Saket?
One should attend two unique activities during the visit: climbing up the Golden Mount to have a bird's eye view of Bangkok city and going for 'temple tourism,' where one has to engage in different activities conducted in the temple.
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