Chedi Phukhao Thong, Wat Saket

The Chedi Phukhao Thong, or Golden Mount, is a brilliant gold stupa that crowns an artificial hill at the Wat Saket temple in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the city's most iconic historic landmarks, visible for miles due to its elevated position. The temple complex itself dates back to the Ayutthaya period.

To reach the chedi at the top of Wat Saket, visitors must climb a concrete staircase consisting of over 300 steps. The winding path circles the artificial hill and is decorated with lush tropical greenery, hanging bells, and religious statues. The climb is an active pilgrimage, especially during the annual temple fair.

The artificial hill was initially commissioned by King Rama III in the 19th century, but his massive brick structure collapsed into the soft Bangkok clay. King Rama IV later built a smaller, more stable chedi on top of the ruined mound. It was Rama IV who added the sacred relic shrine that remains there today.

The gleaming stupa houses a sacred relic of the Buddha, which was reportedly brought to Thailand from Sri Lanka. Additionally, the interior walls of the lower terraces feature intricate murals depicting the historical journey of the relic. Visitors can walk around the base of the stupa to take in panoramic views of Bangkok.