Tag Archives: wat saket

Wat Saket is something special. I can’t explain it, only feel it.

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Wat Saket dates back to the 1700’s and has an iconic structure named Golden Mount. This man made mountain has a winding staircase up to the prayer hall where followers can offer prayers, flowers and ask for divine guidance. Climbing up the very narrow and steep stair case to the roof is where you’ll find the golden stupa. The views and statues are really soothing to look at and when the breeze blows through, it feels refreshing and the dinging of all the wind chimes, adds to the ambiance nicely. Although it’s quite spectacular, the rest of the complex is really peaceful and serene too. If you want to see more photos of Golden Mount, you can check out my post HERE. If you need directions on how to get to Wat Saket / Golden Mount via public transport, I posted about that HERE. If you need a break on the way up, there’s a coffee shop on the way up I didn’t have time so I passed, it looks nice though!

I visited Wat Saket 2 days in a row because there was so much going on. It was Loy Krathong, the yearly week long festival (my post about it HERE). With all the festivities going on, I didn’t get any opportunities to get any pictures of the serene feeling premises. Maybe next time. Navigating was somewhat difficult as well because crowds got really big at times and not only were some entrances concealed by the crowds but once you’re in the mass, you really can’t go anywhere except with the flow of the mass. I actually had no idea where I was going and walked around the complex twice before actually getting to see any of the religious statues and things. Some buildings were closed when I got around to them and some I found totally by accident. Meaning I saw a bunch of people moving into something so I just went too. That’s how I found the starting stair case to get up to Golden Mount as well as a cave.

The man made cave houses a giant standing Buddha statue, that looks like it’s carved into the cave and smaller, free standing Terracotta like Buddha statues. Also within the cave are some pieces of really old looking paper with writing on it, but I couldn’t read it, looks important, though.

There is also cemetery that is part of the base of Golden Mount which doesn’t look creepy or anything and you’d probably pass it by not knowing it was a cemetery but look closely and you’ll see. What’s creepy, I think, is that I’m sure I took multiple pictures with my camera’s yet I can’t find any of the cemetery photos on any of them. What do you make of that? Anyways, there’s also a museum on the premises, with some more Buddha statues and history, if you’re interested in that. It was closed by the time I found it.

Then there’s the vultures. If I had not strayed off the path leading down from Golden Mount, I would have totally missed the scene commemorating those that perished from the cholera outbreak. This scene is known as the vulture scene. I took a picture of the commemorative plaque so you can have a read if you’re so inclined.

There’s also a few Buddha statues in enclaves that you can offer prayers too around this area. The main prayer hall isn’t that large but the plaza in front is quite spacious, providing plenty of space for worshipers to pray in front of the Buddha statue that is outside the hall. There’s an even bigger Buddha statue inside the hall. I didn’t get to see everything even though I went twice. I think, during non festive times, you could see it all in 3-4 hours if you’re just walking through. I’ll include a premises map so you can plan your trip 😎

I missed this whole section behind the building in the above photo, it may not even be part of Wat Saket (I think because it’s named a bit different) but it’s accessible from Wat Saket until closing time when the close the entry/exit gates. I think the people having a picnic beside red sign hopped the fence to get in because I didn’t see a way to get in there, lol.

Out of all the wats I’ve visited in Bangkok, Wat Saket is the one that resonated most with me. I “felt” something there, neither good nor bad, just something and for me that’s special. I later learned that there are Buddha relics (Buddha’s Teeth) at Golden Mount, enshrined in the golden stupa and enshrined in the 4 gold leafed statues in the circular shrine. If you need to satisfy your spiritual hunger and only have time to visit one wat in Bangkok, I would highly suggest Wat Saket over the more “touristy” wats. That’s my opinion, don’t roast me for it. 😃

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How to get to Wat Saket, Golden Mount via public transport

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In my opinion, Wat Saket is a must visit when in Bangkok and its’ main attraction is Golden Mount. Golden Mount, from afar, looks like a temple on top of a walled fortress and is even more spectacular when seen at night. If you’re interested in looking at some more photos of Golden Mount, HERE’s my post on it

Now the train stop closest to Golden Mount / Wat Saket is on the MRT line (blue line) and the station you need to alight at is named Sam Yot. If you plan on staying late keep in my mind the last train scheduled for departure towards Sukhumvit station. I got there at about 11:45 pm and missed it.

If you’re on the Sukhumvit Line (light green line) then you will need to change trains at either Asok and take the short walk to Sukhumvit MRT station (I’ve outlined details of the walk in my post HERE regarding getting to Wat Arun without taking the ferry). Note: if you’re close to Siam station on the Sukhumvit line it may be a shorter travel distance if you change trains to the Silom line (dark green line) then alight at Sala Daeng station to take the train at Silom Station on the MRT line (blue line). It sounds confusing but one you check out the train map, it’ll be easier to understand.

Sam Yot, I think, is the nicest looking station I’ve seen in Bangkok so far as it looks like a more traditional shop house rather than a transport station. Here’s a photo:

I can’t recall how much the fare was but it should be around $30 Baht. Once you alight at Sam Yot station and exit the building you’ll see this:

That’s the direction you need to go. Continue on until you cross the heritage bridge (there’s a brown sign if you wanna read about it). Right after you cross the bridge you need to turn left and keep walking straight. You’ll need to cross the street about 3 times before reaching the Wat Saket premises. Should be about a 10-15 minute walk depending on how long it takes you to get across some of the intersections, I remember one being quite busy and there are no pedestrian crossing lights.

You’ll be looking for this entrance:

Have fun at Wat Saket and Golden Mount!

Consider following me for updates to find not only my other (usually travel) bloopers, blunders and shenanigans but also photography related news/reviews and the occasional contest entry.

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Comments & Critiques are always welcome, as are upvotes and resteems.

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Golden Mount, I made it to the top!

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After Travelfeed.io’s meetup at the Wanderlust bar in Thong Lo, I had the pleasure of tagging along with the awesome guys and gals to Golden Mount. It was awesome (Thanks, @Travelfeed!) but I didn’t get a chance to stick around and make the hike to the top. Both because it was really crowded due to the Loi Krathong festival and my prior arrangements that I was already late for.

I very much liked the overall “feel” of this wat and felt I needed to come back and check out the summit and the rest of the complex. So I went again the next day even though the festival was still going on. It was less crowded despite being the last day of the festival and the journey to the summit was free. I didn’t even know it was a ticketed venue…I just followed the crowd and went straight up. It was only after walking around later at night that I saw the signage regarding ticket prices. Getting up to the top was a fairly easy walk up the gradual stairs. The steps felt really oddly spaced apart and shorter than normal (for me) and I ended taking two steps a stride. There are places to stop and rest on the way up if needed as well as bells you can ring, lots and lots of bells differing in age, material and size.

Once at the top there are Buddha statues in the room as well as a semi enclosed circular structure/room with four major Buddha statues inside that you can offer your prayers/donations to. The walkway around this circular “room” is very narrow, barely enough room for one person to walk so it can get congested very, very quickly.

Before you continue up to the roof to see the golden stupa structure, you can to get your fortune read by shaking a bamboo tube full of sticks on which there is something written and you go and get it translated/explained. I didn’t really get to see where to go as it was getting pretty crowded very quickly. Oh there are water vendors in there (not sure if its only for the festival though.

Also interestingly enough, you don’t have to take off your shoes up there. Making your way up to the roof you will have to climb some narrow stairs with a low entry arch. If you’re taller than 5’10, you’ll hit your head if you’re not paying attention.

The golden stupa is covered with red sheets on which people can write things on it. The sheets are at the base of the stupa and when it’s full it, gets wrapped around the stupa. It’s a nice view up top but hard to get to the edges as people stand and sit in front of it. I bet the view would be even better at sunrise or sunset. But I didn’t have the luxury to stay so long nor space to set things up so down I went to check out the rest of the wat.

If you’re every in Bangkok you should come visit Golden Mount and Wat Saket, even if your Google search for top wats/places to visit doesn’t return Golden Mount. I feel it’s well worth it! I would never have found Wat Saket and Golden Mount if I hadn’t attended Travelfeed’s meetup. If you’re at all interested in travel, you need to check out Travelfeed.io.

Here’s some Travelfeed.io links:
Travelfeed.io website
Travelfeed.io’s Steemfest presentation
Travelfeed.io android app

Consider following me for updates to find not only my other travel bloopers, blunders and shenanigans but also photography related news/reviews and the occasional contest entry.

All the photos (unless otherwise noted in the post) were taken by me and are available for sale. If you’re interested in buying an image or three, 😃 please don’t hesitate to contact me for more details. Thanks in advance!

Comments & Critiques are always welcome, as are upvotes and resteems.

Thanks for viewing and best wishes!

PS. If you want to check out my other ‘works’, you can find them here:

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Travelfeed.io’s meetup in Bangkok was awesome!!!

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I’m sitting here (smiling much like the lady on the carousel in the photo below) trying to write how I feel about the Travelfeed.io’s meetup in Bangkok, post Steemfest, but I can’t get anywhere because snippets of memories keeps interrupting my train of thought. That and I don’t think I have the words to fully describe everything but I have to start somewhere so I’ll start with the people.

I finally got to meet @for91days he’s one of the first people if not the first person who I actually had correspondence with on Steemit and for sure the person who led me down the travel blogging path. Not only that, he taught me some of the tips and tricks of using the steemit platform as well. I’m pretty sure I would have bailed on Steem if it wasn’t for him and Travelfeed. My only regret thus far is that I only got to buy him one beer and I didn’t even get to buy a beer for @wanderein or @jpphotography it was truly a pleasure chatting and having that photo walk with those two awesome people. I must say that I truly appreciate everyone’s efforts, thank you!

Then there’s @waybeyondpadthai I’ve seen her posts and vids before and recognized her but didn’t know her username. I’ve always wondered how much effort it takes to vlog and always thought it was a lot of work (I hate doing video work) but then out of the blue she turns on her cam, equipped with a dead cat’d mic on a gimbal and “one take” makes an entry, right in front of me! I was like DAAAAYAAAM that was awesome! She made it look so effortlessly easy! I also met some of TeamMalaysia’s members @elizacheng, @fitinfun, @littlenewthings and a few others that I only remember the names of but haven’t found their blog yet. I’m so glad to have met these 3 ladies and chat with them because the Steem positive energies they radiate is contagious! I also got to have meaningful conversations in Cantonese (something I haven’t had in years), which made me homesick a bit.

There are still some people that I didn’t get a chance to talk to. Well, that’s a lie, I did have chances to speak to everyone but I’m the type of person who only starts conversations when I have a question (read: kinda shy). My apologies. Also I must apologize to those people that I did talk to but can’t remember their names and/or handles.

I just came up with a bigger regret. I don’t have any pictures of these wonderful people I met and shared time with, not a single one. To put things in perspective, I’m a photographer, it’s my job to take pictures but I was so enthralled with everyone, I didn’t get around to it! So I guess I’ll have to adorn this post with pics of my fav images I took while on my photowalk at Golden Mount which I never would have gotten if I had not attended Travelfeed.io’s meetup!

Thanks again, for the memories! You “guys” are all so awesome, I can’t wait to meet you all again somewhere, sometime!

If you haven’t checked out what Travelfeed.io is all about, you really should and I highly recommend making it to one of their meet ups!

Here’s some Travelfeed.io links:
Travelfeed.io website
Travelfeed.io’s Steemfest presentation
Travelfeed.io android app

Consider following me for updates to find not only my other travel bloopers, blunders and shenanigans but also photography related news/reviews and the occasional contest entry.

All the photos (unless otherwise noted in the post) were taken by me and are available for sale. If you’re interested in buying an image or three, 😃 please don’t hesitate to contact me for more details. Thanks in advance!

Comments & Critiques are always welcome, as are upvotes and resteems.

Thanks for viewing and best wishes!

PS. If you want to check out my other ‘works’, you can find them here:

Portfolio
Blog
Fine Art

Want to write about your travel adventures? Come join me on the TravelFeed.io platform

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