Description: Both the history of the Golden Mount as well as the structure itself is fascinating. It's origin dates back to the Ayuthaya Era. It was restored under the direction King Rama I during the late 1700's. It was used for cremation ceremonies which are still in evidence. Under King Rama II reign during the mid 1800's a plague caused some 30,000 bodies to be brought here. King Rama III originally planned a giant chedi to be built. The soft ground gave way so the ruble was reinforced with trees and plants making it one of the few shady, cool places around. King Rama IV shored it more with teak reinforcement as it was still sinking. And finally King Rama V topped it off with today's current chedi.
The staircase that winds around the large white base is filled with tiny shrines barely visible through the greenery. There are also plaques of those that have been cremated on walls of concrete. After some 300 easy steps there is a row of bells. This is nearly the last spot for views before reaching the pinnacle where you go inside, pay 20B and ascend the last floor to the upper most outside platform. At the top is a magnificent view of the modern and old buildings in Bangkok residing side by side.
Before going outside a circular hall inside house Buddha images in green glass adorned with gold headdresses and clothing as other statues made from various other materials. Considering the many I had seen, the green Buddhas particular with the accent of gold were quite striking and unique. In the very center of the pillar are Buddhas covered in gold leaf. Up to the summit is free, but the last floor will set you back 20B and although the hours are from 8-10, the summit closes at 5:30 (no doubt changing with sunset times).
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