How to Visit Golden Mount (Wat Saket) by Bus: My First Day in Bangkok
Arriving in Bangkok from London
I arrived in Bangkok from London with Thai Airways, landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at around 7:00 AM after a long 12-hour flight. Thai Airways, Thailand’s national airline, offers friendly service and the famous Thai hospitality, which made a good first impression after such a long journey.
After the flight, I was quite tired and a little confused at first. My first steps at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport were to collect my luggage, go through passport control and immigration, and complete the necessary entry and visa checks.
Once I had cleared immigration, I bought a Thai SIM card and changed a small amount of money into Thai baht for my immediate expenses. My advice is not to exchange all your money at the airport. If you need cash, change only a small amount and compare rates later in Bangkok. At the airport, you can find currency exchange services such as Happy Rich and SuperRich, although the rate depends on your currency and the current exchange market
From Bangkok Airport to My Hotel
My hotel was the Pinnacle Lumpinee Park Hotel, located in the Silom area, close to Lumphini MRT Station and Lumphini Park.
To get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Silom, I used the Airport Rail Link. I travelled to Makkasan Station, then walked to Phetchaburi MRT Station and took the MRT Blue Line towards Lumphini. I got off at Lumphini Station, which was only a short walk from my hotel.
After such a long flight, using Bangkok’s public transport was a convenient and affordable way to reach the hotel and start my first day in Bangkok.
I arrived at my hotel at around 9:00 AM, but my room was not available until 3:00 PM. I left my luggage at the hotel and went to a nearby coffee shop for breakfast. I enjoyed a delicious cake and a good espresso while taking some time to relax after the long journey. After a short rest, I was ready to start exploring Bangkok for the first time and begin my first day of sightseeing in the city.
My First Bus Ride to Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
My first sightseeing stop in Bangkok was Golden Mount (Wat Saket), one of the city’s most famous temples. Instead of taking a taxi or Grab, I decided to experience Bangkok public transport and take bus number 47 to Golden Mount.
The bus fare was very cheap, around 10 baht, and it was a great way to experience the local Thai atmosphere. At first, I wasn’t sure if taking the bus was the right decision, but I wanted to see more of Bangkok’s streets and everyday life rather than simply travelling from one tourist attraction to another.
The journey was an adventure! I was amazed by the busy streets and the city around me, but I soon became confused and wasn’t sure which bus stop to get off at for Golden Mount. Luckily, a very kind Thai lady noticed that I needed help and showed me where to get off.
She didn’t speak English, but we managed to communicate using her phone and a translation app. Her kindness made the experience even more memorable.
Finally, I arrived at my destination: Golden Mount (Wat Saket). My first Bangkok bus journey had been a little confusing, but it was also one of the best ways to experience the city like a local.
Golden Mount Bangkok Guide: My First Visit to Wat Saket
Golden Mount (Wat Saket) is a beautiful and impressive temple in Bangkok, but be prepared for a climb. There are quite a few steps to reach the top of Golden Mount, so take your time and enjoy the journey. The climb is well worth it, especially for the peaceful atmosphere and views over Bangkok.
The entrance fee is around 100 baht for foreign visitors, while Thai citizens can enter free of charge. Prices and admission policies can change, so it is worth checking before your visit.
The opening times are 7am to 7pm.
As Wat Saket is a sacred Buddhist temple, visitors should dress respectfully and follow Thai cultural customs. Dressing appropriately is an important way to show respect when visiting Golden Mount and other temples in Bangkok.
The temple became particularly important during the reign of King Rama IV, when the Golden Mount was developed further and crowned with a golden chedi. Today, visitors can climb the winding staircase to the top and enjoy panoramic views across Bangkok Old Town.
Wat Saket is also historically significant because the temple grounds were used as a cremation site outside the old city walls, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. The temple therefore has a fascinating connection to Bangkok’s history, religion, and traditional culture.
Today, Golden Mount (Wat Saket) remains an important Buddhist site and one of the most popular cultural attractions in Bangkok.
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Getting Back to My Hotel by Bus: Exploring Bangkok Like a Local
After a long and tiring day, made even more challenging by jet lag and my first day exploring Bangkok, I decided to take bus number 15 back to my hotel. I wanted to experience more of Bangkok by public transport rather than taking a taxi, and the bus gave me another chance to see the city and its everyday life.
Before returning to my hotel, I decided to make one more stop at the Jim Thompson House Museum. The museum was a lovely surprise, with traditional Thai architecture, interesting cultural exhibits, and a beautiful tropical garden. It was a peaceful place to slow down and relax after a busy first day exploring Bangkok.
