This steep artificial mountain pre-dates Bangkok as the Capitol of Thailand. King Rama III(1787-1851), grandson of Rama I, decided to build a mud and brick "chedi", or mountain temple, of huge dimensions to house Budhist relics. Unfortunately, the soft soil underneath was unable to support the weight and it collapsed while under construction. Laying abandoned for ensuing decades, the collapsed structure took on the shape of a natural hill. King Rama IV decided to construct a smaller temple mountain and it was completed during the reign of his son Rama V (1853-1910). Concrete walls surrounding the structure were added during the 1940's. A series of animals, corresponding to the Chinese Zodiac can be found the base of the hill.
The start of the climb up the Golden Mountain. This is no exercise for the feint of heart. The 318 steps to the top, especially in 90 degree heat, is not to be taken hastily.
At the start of the climb, water jets spray a fine mist which we found quite helpful.
Bells for prayers ("please God let me make it up this hill") are found along the route.
Or you can bang this gong to really get God's attention...
The top is insight...I think...it might be an illusion.
The view from the top is amazing and (after the fact) well worth the trip.
Many beautiful Buddha displays are on exhibit in the gallery at the top.
More Buddhas in different positions.
The top piece is so huge that We could not fit it all in the camera lens.
The rest of the top piece capping off the Golden Mountain.
Some of the poorer housing at the base of the Golden Mountain, along the canal.
Bells seem to play an important part in Buddhist religious beliefs.
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