Golden Mount (Wat Saket)

The Golden Mount - or Wat Saket - was constructed by King Rama I shortly after the founding of Bangkok. Built just outside the original city walls and intended as a burial site, the mount has many thousands of bodies interned here - most of them dating from Rama II's rule when plague swept through the city.
Built on swampy ground, the hill was rebuilt by Rama III who added a chedi (stupa) which promptly collapsed due to the shifting foundations. Rama V built the golden chedi we see today on the rubble of the previous chedi. The golden chedi is rumored to contain some of Buddha's remains – including his teeth. Concrete walls were constructed during World War II to ensure the structure remains stable.
The Golden Mount looks its best at night when it glows gold against the dark sky. It is worth visiting in the daytime too for fantastic views across the city.

Practical Info

If you are visiting Bangkok in the first week of November, you should visit the annual fair at the Golden Mount, which is lit with colored lanterns and wrapped in cloth. At this time, the entire compound turns into a giant fun fair .The Golden Mount is several blocks east of the Grand Palace in the Old City (Rattanakosin district). There is no straightforward public transport here and it is best to catch a taxi or tuk-tuk.