Wat Saket, Bangkok

Wat Saket, often referred to as the Golden Mount, is a historic Buddhist temple that has become an iconic landmark in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. This serene sanctuary is known for its gleaming chedi, or stupa, which is perched atop an artificial hill, providing visitors with sweeping views of the bustling city below.

The temple's origins date back to the Ayutthaya era, with significant additions made during the reign of King Rama I in the late 18th century. However, it was under King Rama III in the mid-19th century that Wat Saket received its most prominent feature—the Golden Mount. The construction of the mount was a significant engineering feat of its time, involving the piling of thousands of truckloads of soil.

Climbing the 318 steps to the summit of the Golden Mount is a spiritual journey for many, culminating in the gilded stupa that shines resplendently in the sun. The stupa is enshrined with a relic of the Buddha, making it an important place of worship and pilgrimage, especially during the annual temple fair in November, which is one of Bangkok's most vibrant festivals.

Wat Saket's tranquil grounds are adorned with mature trees and typical Thai-Buddhist architecture, including prayer halls and bell towers, offering a stark contrast to the modern city that surrounds it. The temple serves as an oasis of calm and spirituality in the otherwise hectic environment of Bangkok.