After Ice Asian Trip 2008

Bangkok, Thailand

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Although the top of the mount has been encased in concrete, the base is still a jumble of bricks and plaster overgrown with trees and bushes. Somewhat curiously, in amongst the vegetation around the base are numerous shrines to departed people. This "graveyard" of sorts includes everything from small plaques to large shrines with Buddha images.

Bangkok, Thailand

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From the ground, a wide stairway spirals up and around the sides of the mount. There are about 300 very short steps in all. Its not a strenuous climb at all, as the slope is quite gentle and there a numerous spots to stop and see something. However, the best time to visit the temple is during the cool season from late November to January, when not only is the temperature much cooler, but the frangipani trees around the base are in bloom, giving off their wonderful jasmine-like smell.

Bangkok, Thailand

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One thing to keep in mind before you make the climb is that once you reach the top, there's an admission charge of 10 Baht (about US$ 0.25) to enter the building and gain access to the rooftop terrace. The interior is a large, rather plain and undecorated room with windows along the outside walls while in the center lies the square outer walls of the shrine. A short stairway in the center of each side leads up to the shrine holding the Buddha relic, which lies directly under the chedi on the roof. The shrine is encased in many layers of gold leaf applied by the devout for more than 100 years.

Bangkok, Thailand

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In the corner of the room that is to your right as you enter is a narrow stairway up to the roof. The first thing you will see upon emerging onto the roof is the huge chedi covered with thousands of gold mosaic tiles. From the rooftop terrace you have a 360 degree view of Bangkok. To the west you can see the prangs and rooftops of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the old Grand Palace. Closer in you can see the tips of the Democracy Monument as well as the peaks of Wat Ratchanadda. To the northwest you can see the single pylon of the new Rama VI bridge with its golden threads of suspension cables. Looking east you can see the towers of Bangkok's business district.

Bangkok, Thailand

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If you exit via the back entrance to the temple, you come out onto a street lined with wood shops. The sights, sounds and smells can be worth a stroll. This is also the easiest way to walk from the Golden Mount to Wat Ratchanadda. Turn right as you exit the temple and walk past the fire station. You'll come to the intersection of two canals and about six streets. Continue on the bridge to your your left over the canal and past the Pom Mahakan fort. Cross the street to Rama III park and you'll see the Loha Prasat in the background.

Bangkok, Thailand

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One of many canals in Bangkok.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Photo of King of Thailand with pink and yellow taxi to left on wet city street.

Bangkok, Thailand

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One of many canals in Bangkok.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok Wat Ratchanatdaram & Loha Prasat.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok Wat Ratchanatdaram & Loha Prasat, with yellow taxi and motor cycle taxi.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok Wat Ratchanatdaram & Loha Prasat.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok Democracy Monument

Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok Ministry of Defence.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok Grand Palace Phra Siratana Chedi.

Bangkok, Thailand

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A group of school children visiting the Bangkok Grand Palace Phra Siratana Chedi.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok Grand Palace Phra Siratana Chedi.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Looking across Chao Phraya River towards Bangkok Wat Arun Phra Prang.

Bangkok, Thailand

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River taxis on the Chao Phraya River

Bangkok, Thailand

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Long tail river taxi.