Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount), Bangkok (must see)

If Bangkok ever decided to grow a hill, it would probably look like Wat Saket—and yes, that’s more or less what happened. Dating back to the Ayutthaya era (which lasted from 1351 to 1767), this temple is best known for its gleaming golden chedi, once the highest point in a city that otherwise prefers to stay impressively flat. It is equal parts a landmark, a lookout, and a seasonal party host, especially during the Loy Krathong festival.

Now, about that “mountain.” The Golden Mount isn’t natural—it’s Bangkok’s most ambitious DIY project. King Rama III tried to build a massive chedi here, only to have it dramatically sink into the soft ground. Plan B was to build a hill first and then try again. So, up went a mound of mud and bricks, which sat around long enough to sprout greenery and earn itself the name “Phu Khao,” or “mountain.” Later, King Rama IV added a smaller chedi and reinforced the base with nearly a thousand teak logs. Finally, King Rama V completed the golden structure you see today, enshrining a Buddha relic from India. A few concrete reinforcements during World War II ensured the whole thing would stay put.

From late October to mid-November, this quiet hill turns festive. For nine days around the full moon, the Golden Mount is wrapped in red cloth, and the temple fair takes over with food stalls, performances, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. At night, candlelight processions wind their way up the hill, with worshippers carrying flowers and flickering lights toward the summit. A kind of spiritual ritual mixed with a lively fairground...

Getting to the Golden Mount's peak means tackling 318 steps—not exactly Everest, but enough to make you feel like you’ve earned the view. And once you’re up there, Bangkok stretches out in every direction—a rare chance to see the city from above without boarding a skyscraper.

Bangkok doesn’t do hills. Which is precisely why this one feels special. A temple on top is just a bonus.

If you can, go early—before the heat kicks in and the crowds follow. And if the sun is in a generous mood, bring a hat. This climb comes with very little shade and a lot of enthusiasm from the tropical sky.