The Golden Mount sits atop a man-made hill that overlooks all of Bangkok. Up until the 1960's this was the tallest point in Bangkok. And then the skyscrapers arrived. However, the view is still astounding. You walk up steps that go around the outside of the temple. Surrounding the temple is a wooded area with odd monuments and tombs all dedicated to the benefactors who helped in its construction. The wooded area is oddly Gothic with a Buddhist flair. The Golden Mount is located at the Wat Sacket which for thousands of years served as a crematorium.
After climbing the circular staircase you arrive at a small sanctuary which holds a shrine in the middle where people pray and meditate. The grounds of this place and the panoramic view are well worth the climb. Along the climb to the top are a series of bells and gongs that you are encouraged to ring as they are known to keep the deceased quiet. Some of Buddha's remains are said to rest somewhere in the sanctuary.
At the very top - on the roof - is a large gold point with a shrine on each side for further meditation.
This is considered a particularly sacred place for the Buddhist because its height and view are known to offer perspective.
And they are right!
When in Thailand - ya gotta go!
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