The Golden Mount - Bangkok, Thailand

This landmark, the only hill in Bangkok, has 344 stairs to take you up to the top for panoramic views of the Rattanakosin Island.
It is near the Phan Fa Lilat Intersection, Lan Luang Road, or in the past, it was outside the city wall along Khlong Maha Nak, the area where the former Khlong Bang Lamphu meets. It is an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya period, which is a first-class royal temple of the Ratchawora Maha Wihan class. Originally, it was known as Wat Sakae then later the whole temple was re-established in the reign of King Rama I the Great and given the new name of Wat Saket. The Golden Mount began to be built during the reign of King Rama IV the Great. The King used the model from the Golden Mount of the Ayutthaya period, and construction was completed during the reign of King Rama V the Great. It was bestowed the name Suwanbanphot and is 77 metres tall. On the top of Suwanbanphot is the chedi that enshrines the Buddha’s relics received from India, which were dug from the hill of the old chedi in Kapilavastu. It is a sanctuary and symbol of Wat Saket, and is also considered the navel of the city. Every year, during the Loi Krathong Festival, there will be a seven-day and seven-night celebration, which has become a tradition to worship the Buddha’s relics continued to the present time. This is a sacred ceremony and enhances the prosperity of the country.