The Golden Mount, Wat Saket, and...Silence!
You have heard about it; you've probably seen it from afar, but when were you last there?
It's so easy to relax at home on a Sunday and yet that's the day when the Golden Mount , the splendid golden cupola over one of Bangkok's oldest temples, Wat Saket, is really worth a visit. It towers above the flatness of Boripahat Road, off Rajdamnoen Avenue. The mount is 80 meters high and artificial; after many attempts at constructing the mountain, only an understructure of more than 1000 teak logs served to prevent the edifice from sinking into its foundations.
The cupola holds a relic of the Lord Buddha, brought from India and presented to King Chulalongkorn by the British Government. The shrine in which is it is held is rarely opened to the public but a climb up the 318 steps leading to the cupola rewards the visitor with a panoramic view of Bangkok.
The winding stairway is fairly steep. But you can stop from time to time and look at the shrines on each side, often provided with a photograph of the departed loved one. On the left you can see the monastery buildings and the nearer you get to the summit, the more spectacular becomes the view of the metropolis.

Near the top a cool and clean hall houses Buddha images supplied with days and dates of the month. Thais place gold leaf on the Buddha for their auspicious day and light incense sticks, which scent the air with sandalwood.
Make a small donation and then climb a narrow staircase to the cupola itself. It is lovingly constructed and you can walk around it and admire it from all sides.
There's a bonus, too. As you stand near the cupola, you are away from all the traffic and noise and hubbub of Bangkok. You will appreciate the silence more than you think. When is Bangkok ever free from noise?
In November, monks visit the shrine, climbing the stairs carrying candles. In the grounds of Wat Saket a typical Thai fair is held at the same time.
When you descend from the cupola, turn left and in the little car park you will see sausage sellers. They sell grilled rough country sausages. Try one and you will see why Thais love their food!