The top perspective

The top perspective

………From atop this peak, the views of Krung Thep are second to none; comparable to city views from Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Tokyo Tower. During temple fair time the pagada is open late enough for you to catch the city bathed in the golden color of evening’s last light.

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Phra Borom Banpot, or The Golden Mount, was conceived of during a major renovation of Wat Saket. At this time, King Rama Ⅲ ordered a new pagoda to be built near Mahanak Canal. Chedi (twelve-recesses style of traditional Ayutthaya) construction was delayed. Later, King Rama Ⅳ modified the plans to a more unique and grander version; this one coated with gold. Overseeing the completion of the chedi was King Rama Ⅴ, who enshrined some of Buddha’s relics at the top.

            Walking up the hill to pay respects to the relics is considered a boon of merit for Thais. To the non-believing tourist, the benefits still outweigh the hike’s struggle with an opportunity to lose your breath- by experiencing 360 degrees of the city’s panorama. Look where the old town and new city merge…in front you’ll see the temples, palaces and old communities and further east, the modern megacity Brilliant.

BKK festival : A temple fair in the middle of the capital? Coinciding with Loy Krathong each November, Wat Saket hosts the biggest and oldest temple for in Thailand. The fair started in 1890 and is still going strong. Rides, games, food, crowds…this Thai-style carnival is a lot of fun!

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The Folden Mount

Wat Saker (by Mahanak Canal)

Canal Ferry Phanfah Leelas Bridge

8.00-17.30 daily

The three offerings.

The three offerings.

…………..Among all the Buddhist countries in the world, only three have built palaces adorned with metal roofs or Laha Prasada.

Migaramatu Pasada > The first Loha Prasada was built in Sravasti, India during Buddha’s lifetime by Visakha, his greatest female disciple. This generous donation to the sangha (monks and practitioners of dhamma) was purported to have 500 rooms on each of its two stories with it’s a roof topped in gold.

Lavamahapaya > Completed around 150 BC, by King Dutthagamani, the second brazen palace was erected in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Rumored to have nine stories, it was established as a residence for up to 1,000 monks and a roof covered in copper tiles.

Wat Ratchanaddaram > King Rama Ⅲcommissioned the building of this third was to build a magnificent palace to house relics of the Buddha and offer the city a befitting gift in lieu of a less grand chedi.

The temple is seven stories high and topped with 37 metal spires that signify the 37 necessary virtues in order to reach enlightenment. The first two Loha Prasadas are in ruins, so a visit here grants you a look at one of the world’s most wonderful and unique sites.

Loha Prasada
Wat Ratchanaddaram
Mahachai Road, Canal Ferry
Phanfah Leelas Bridge
9.00-17.00 daily