Wat Paket is well known as the Golden Mount or “Pho Khao Thong” temple, is a steep artificial hill crowned with a gleaming gold Chedi.

HISTORY

King Rama III (1787-1851) decided to build a Chedi of huge dimensions inside the temple but the Chedi collapsed during construction due to the soft soil of Bangkok could not support the weight. Then, over the decades, the abandoned mud and brick structure have turned to the shape of a natural hill and was overgrown with weeds. The locals called it the ‘Pho Khao’ which means the mountain from natural. In 2940s, the surrounding concrete walls were added to stop the hill from eroding

During the reign of King Rama IV, construction began of a small Chedi on the hill. It was completed early in the reign of his son, King Rama V (1853–1910). The gilded stupa existing today dates since then. The huge chedi contains relics of the Buddha, that were brought over from Sri Lanka India

The Wat Saket used to be the place to cremate the poor deceased people who couldn’t afford a funeral or cremation. When an epidemic hit Bangkok during the reign of King Rama II, the remains of tens of thousands of poor people were brought here to be cremated.

Open Hourly: 07.30 – 17.30

Ticket Fee: 50 Bath