Golden Mount Bangkok | Lukfoto - Photographer

Climbing the Iconic Temple on a Mountain: A Photographer’s Guide

Wat Saket, with its golden chedi rising from an artificial hill, is one of Bangkok’s most rewarding photography locations. The journey up the 300 steps of this temple on a mountain isn’t just exercise – it’s a visual adventure that gets more impressive with each level you climb.

The path upward offers countless opportunities for creative shots. You can capture the gentle curve of the stairway or frame your subject against the lush greenery. Take your time during the climb – some of the most striking images come from spots you might otherwise pass by.

What makes the Golden Mount Bangkok truly special is how it blends architecture with nature. The golden stupa against Bangkok’s blue sky creates memorable images that will enhance any photography collection.

Photography Packages and Pricing

At Lukfoto, we’ve designed our private photo session packages with clarity and flexibility. Whether you’re looking for elegant portraits, family photos, or couple photography at Saket Temple, our services can be tailored to your vision.

Our pricing is straightforward and based on how many locations you’d like to visit, how many final images you want, and how much time you need. We believe in transparency – what we discuss is exactly what you’ll receive.

We offer three distinct package options that accommodate different needs and budgets. We’ll guide you toward choices that best fulfill your vision, drawing from our extensive experience photographing at the Golden Mountain. To review package details and reserve your session, please see the link below.

The History and Beauty of the Golden Mountain Temple

The Golden Mountain has a history as fascinating as its appearance. Originally built during the Ayutthaya period, it was transformed under King Rama I, who changed its name from Wat Sakae to the current Wat Saket.

Here’s an interesting detail: the hill itself is completely artificial. When King Rama III attempted to build a large chedi, the marshy ground couldn’t support it. The collapsed structure became the foundation for what would become the Golden Mount, later strengthened during King Rama IV’s reign.

Today, the golden chedi houses a Buddha relic from India, adding cultural significance to your photographs. This rich history gives images captured here a timeless quality – connecting modern portraits to centuries of Thai heritage.

Combining Your Wat Saket Visit with Nearby Tourist Places in Bangkok

One major advantage of choosing the Golden Mount for your photoshoot is its central location, making it easy to include other photogenic spots nearby for a diverse collection of images.

Within walking distance is Loha Prasat (Metal Castle), known for its unique pyramid design and gleaming gold spires. This UNESCO Heritage Site offers a different aesthetic that pairs wonderfully with the traditional elements of this temple. Another excellent option is Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple, which provides a completely different architectural style for your photography collection.

If you’d like to contrast historic and modern Bangkok in your photos, the area around Democracy Monument provides excellent urban settings, while nearby Chinatown offers vibrant street scenes filled with cultural character. For those interested in interesting architecture, the Chulalongkorn Park area offers elegant buildings and green spaces that complement your temple photography.

Best Times to Capture the Golden Light at Wat Saket

The quality of light dramatically affects your photos at the Golden Mount. We specialize in afternoon and sunset photography sessions (4-6 PM), when warm golden light bathes the temple complex. An added benefit: fewer visitors during this time, allowing for cleaner compositions.

The afternoon sun creates a magical glow on the golden chedi, highlighting its details and creating depth in your landscape photos. The changing light as sunset approaches offers varied moods and atmospheres for your photographs.

For truly unique images, consider visiting during November’s Loy Krathong festival, when the temple is adorned with lanterns and candlelit processions create an enchanting atmosphere perfect for distinctive photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code?

Since this is an active Buddhist temple, respectful attire is necessary. The dress code requires women to ensure shoulders and knees are covered, wearing skirts or pants that extend at least to the knee. Men should wear shirts with sleeves (not sleeveless), while covering legs is optional though recommended.

For photoshoots, solid colors complement the temple setting nicely. Light, flowing fabrics create graceful movement in images while keeping you comfortable in Bangkok’s warm climate. While modest coverings may be available to rent at the entrance, it’s better to arrive properly dressed.

How much are tickets and entrance fees?

Entry to the Golden Mount costs 100 Thai Baht per person. This entrance fee is standard for all foreign visitors, whether you’re there for tourism or photography. The temple grounds themselves are free to enter, but the fee applies to climbing up to the golden chedi.

There’s no additional charge for photography; however, as professionals who respect this sacred space, we typically make a small donation as a gesture of appreciation for using such a captivating location.

Is it possible to visit Wat Arun to Wat Saket in the same day for photos?

Going from Wat Arun to The Golden Mount in one day creates a wonderfully diverse collection. These two locations offer complementary aesthetics – with the Golden Mount providing panoramic city views.

We recommend exploring Wat Arun by yourself, as it tends to be overcrowded and challenging for professional photoshoots. You can appreciate its detailed porcelain spires along the river at your own pace before heading to your scheduled photoshoot.

The most efficient route between them involves taking a river boat from Tha Tien pier near Wat Arun to Phan Fa Leelard pier, a short walk from the Golden Mount. The boat journey itself provides opportunities for capturing authentic river life.

Can we include Lumphini Park in our photoshoot?

Lumphini Park makes an excellent addition to a Golden Mount photoshoot, offering natural settings that contrast with temple architecture. The park’s calm lakes, gardens, and open spaces present entirely different backdrops for your photos.

Located about 4 kilometers from the Golden Mount, both locations can be conveniently included in a single session. Private transportation between venues saves time and energy for the creative process.

For couples and families, combining the cultural richness of the temple with Lumphini Park’s natural landscape creates a perfect balance. We carefully plan timing to capture the ideal light at each location, ensuring a diverse collection of compelling images.