This morning we set off early for our cultural excursions. A huge part of my attraction the CCS programme is their commitment to providing volunteers with exposure to the local culture. Today we were going to see the Golden Mountain, or Golden Mount, and the Museum of Siam. I wasn't sure if I was going to do the museum because I hadn't quite packed for my weekend trip and since I'm here for so long I figured I could always go on my own or with the next group of volunteers.
Wat Saket is one of Bangkok's historic temples built during King Rama I's reign. The Golden Mount refers to the large golden prang/ chedi/pagoda that King Rama III ordered to be constructed on the Wat Saket grounds in the 1800s. King Rama IV and King Rama V continued construction until it reached completion.
Our vans were somehow separated in the traffic and after waiting for a little while, Jiea sent our group up to the top and said she would bring the others to meet us. We stopped for a quick photo-op in front of the three wise monkey statues. Sources say that there are over 300 steps to reach the top. I can neither confirm nor deny as counting steps wasn't on my priority list. In fact, it was so low that I was upset to realise I had forgotten to put my Samsung Gear Fit watch on before leaving the house. It was in my bag, not counting my steps. Oh, well!
Interesting fact: In the late 1800s Wat Saket served as the city's crematorium.
On the climb to the top there are prayer bells and climbing vines. The stairs are not steep at all so the climb was pretty relaxed. Once you ascend the stairs you'll be rewarded by a lovely view of the city before heading in to the temple.
In the temple many people come to offer lotus flowers, candles, incense and prayers. Inside of the temple you will find a short, steep staircase that leads up to the Golden Mount. Before the introduction of the skyscrapers it was the tallest building in Bangkok and it still provides an excellent view. There are gongs which I am led to believe are for ringing after making a wish.
I would definitely add this to your places to visit if you are coming to Bangkok.
After the Golden Mount we headed over to the Museum of Siam to learn more about the history of the Thai people. The museum is in the style of an interactive discovery museum, which is my favourite type! I enjoyed trading with neighbouring merchants, shooting canons in an Ayuthaya-era battle game and dressing up in historic "fashionable" clothing. Some of the volunteers did not appreciate the "childishly" feel of the museum but for those of you who are young at heart or traveling with little ones I wouldn't skip this attraction.
Wat Saket is one of Bangkok's historic temples built during King Rama I's reign. The Golden Mount refers to the large golden prang/ chedi/pagoda that King Rama III ordered to be constructed on the Wat Saket grounds in the 1800s. King Rama IV and King Rama V continued construction until it reached completion.
Our vans were somehow separated in the traffic and after waiting for a little while, Jiea sent our group up to the top and said she would bring the others to meet us. We stopped for a quick photo-op in front of the three wise monkey statues. Sources say that there are over 300 steps to reach the top. I can neither confirm nor deny as counting steps wasn't on my priority list. In fact, it was so low that I was upset to realise I had forgotten to put my Samsung Gear Fit watch on before leaving the house. It was in my bag, not counting my steps. Oh, well!
Interesting fact: In the late 1800s Wat Saket served as the city's crematorium.
On the climb to the top there are prayer bells and climbing vines. The stairs are not steep at all so the climb was pretty relaxed. Once you ascend the stairs you'll be rewarded by a lovely view of the city before heading in to the temple.
In the temple many people come to offer lotus flowers, candles, incense and prayers. Inside of the temple you will find a short, steep staircase that leads up to the Golden Mount. Before the introduction of the skyscrapers it was the tallest building in Bangkok and it still provides an excellent view. There are gongs which I am led to believe are for ringing after making a wish.
I would definitely add this to your places to visit if you are coming to Bangkok.
After the Golden Mount we headed over to the Museum of Siam to learn more about the history of the Thai people. The museum is in the style of an interactive discovery museum, which is my favourite type! I enjoyed trading with neighbouring merchants, shooting canons in an Ayuthaya-era battle game and dressing up in historic "fashionable" clothing. Some of the volunteers did not appreciate the "childishly" feel of the museum but for those of you who are young at heart or traveling with little ones I wouldn't skip this attraction.
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| Testing the selfie stick! |
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