GOLDEN MOUNT BANGKOK

On the opposite corner of Maha Chai Road from Wat Rachanada are the Golden Mount and Wat Saket.

The 78m (256ft) high artificial hill, begun in the reign of Rama III and completed in the Fifth Reign, is topped by a gilded chedi enshrining sacred relics of the Buddha.

A circular flight of 318 steps leads up to the base of the chedi, from where there are fine views of the city.

At the bottom of the hill is Wat Saket, built by Rama I and thus ranking among Bangkok's oldest temples.