The Golden Mountain is well worth a visit, both for the steep slopes and incredible view when you have reached the top. Looking in different directions you can behold the "new and beautiful Bangkok", the river, Chao Praya and the older, slightly more authentic areas. You come high enough up to have a good view, but remain close enough to the ground to be able to perceive the details and contrasts. The Temple, Wat Saket is naturally also worth a visit but it is "The Royal Mountain" or "The Golden Mountain" which are truly spectacular. Three kings: Rama III (1824-51), Rama IV (1804-68) and Rama V (1853-1910) all made their contribution to the mountain - which is man-made - indeed, constructed by man. The idea was that it was to be a copy of a temple building (pagoda) in Ayudha. The mountain was never really stable under any of the kings, but was finally completed during the Second World War, when it was covered with cement. The spot is also decorated with a very beautiful Indian Buddha, which was a gift from a Brit. It is interesting that the Thais decorate a monument of this caliber with a gift from another land, and moreover tell you of its origin. The Golden Mountain is not neareither the Sky Train or the underground, so the best way to get there is to take the narrow boat from Pratunam Pier or the river boat Chao Prya Express and get off at the Memorial Bridge Pier. Then it is just 318 steps to the top.
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