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Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan (Phu Khao Thong) | Bangkok

Located just outside the old Rattanakosin Island area, Wat Saket—more commonly known as ‘The Temple of the Golden Mount’ or ‘Phu Khao Thong—is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Its origins can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period from 1350 to 1767. At that time, the temple was referred to by its original name ‘Wat Sakae’ before it underwent renovations under the reign of King Rama I, after which it was renamed ‘Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan’ (Temple of the Golden Mountain).
Wat Saket or “Wat Phu Khao Thong” is located outside the old Rattanakosin Island of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. During the Ayutthaya period, which lasted until 2310, the temple was called Wat Sakae, but during the reign of King Rama I, it was renovated and renamed Wat Saket Ratchaworawihan.
The structure of Wat Saket is notable for its 60-meter-high mountain called Phu Khao Thong (meaning Golden Mountain), which houses the temple’s main gilded pagoda. The mountain was formed from the remains of a collapsed pagoda that King Rama III ordered to be built, and was once the highest point in Bangkok. Phu Khao Thong is a well-known and revered landmark in Bangkok. The climb to the top requires a climb of more than 300 steps.
Near the base of the stairs is a strange cemetery, covered in vines and trees. It is where the remains of many who died from the plague in the late 18th century are buried at the base of Phu Khao Thong. Since the temple was the main cemetery during this dark period in Bangkok’s history, the cemetery and the surrounding area are called “Pratu Phi”.