Nov 07

Wat Saket Temple Fair

By Richard Barrow Email

Tuesday 7th November, 2006 | 331 words | Category: Bangkok | 6 feedbacks »

Wat Saket is one of those temples in Bangkok that should be on your list of "places to visit". I have already written about a gruesome visit to this temple by a tourist in the 1880's (click here). The temple itself is not much of interest. What most people go there for is to climb the 318 steps to the top of the artificial mound to see the views. The chedi at the top, see picture above, is believed to house relics of the Buddha. Every year in November, for nine days and nine nights, there is a temple fair which is probably one of the oldest fairs in Bangkok. Like our own temple fair here in Samut Prakan, a sacred red cloth is paraded around the base of the mount before being taken to the top. It is then wrapped around the chedi. If you look closely, you can see people have written messages on the red cloth.

The temple fair really starts to get active in the late afternoon. However, I went there earlier in the afternoon in order to enjoy the breeze and also the beautiful panoramic views from the top. In the past, this temple used to be the highest point in Bangkok. It is now of course dwarfed by the skyscrapers. But, on a clear day you can still see a long way. Towards the setting sun, I could see the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. (If you want to take pictures this direction then you would obviously need to come in the morning.) After I had finished looking at the views I made my way down to the base of the Golden Mount. Here there were hundreds of stalls selling everything from the latest VCD movies to the best selection of Thai food. This temple fair is held every November and so if you find yourself in Bangkok around the full moon this time next year then be sure to visit the fair at Wat Saket.

Do you have any questions about Thailand? Maybe you are planning a holiday or just want to learn more about Thai culture. Have all of your questions answered for free at ThailandQA.com. These forums are part of the family friendly Paknam Web Network.

« Temple in the Middle of the RiverLoi Krathong in Samut Prakan »
Comment from: Khun Don Email · http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/thaischool
So the fair is always on at the same time as Loy Kratong every year? Or does Loy Kratong vary year to year?
2006-11-08 @ 19:40
Comment from: Richard Barrow Email · http://www.richardbarrow.com
It is linked to the full moon, so yes it varies from year to year. Most temple fairs and basically all buddhist festivals are like this.
2006-11-08 @ 20:07
Comment from: Fefal Email
I like your picture with this red wrap.
can we see this red cloth on the Chedi on the top of this temple or are the nine days finished yet ?
Thanks
Fef'
2006-11-13 @ 10:08
Comment from: Abigail · http://www.serenataflowers.com/sendflowers/London.htm
I was wondering what the red cloth was for there. I see that some people are writing messages on it, but I do not think that this is the only reason. There must be a holy reason there. I’ll look for it. Anyway, I’ll put that spot on my list. Thank you.
2006-11-16 @ 23:44
Comment from: Troubled Youth
I’ll put it on my list of places to visit and talk about it to my wife. I have already visited it, but unfortunately only from above in Google Earth. It looks impressive, but touching it will bring a very different feeling.
2007-01-19 @ 21:18
Comment from: pharmac
It seems interesting going there in Fair days, cant we see red cloth in normal days?
2007-02-28 @ 14:33

Leave a comment


Your email address will not be revealed on this site.

Your URL will be displayed.
PoorExcellent
(Line breaks become <br />)
(Name, email & website)
(Allow users to contact you through a message form (your email will not be revealed.)
« Temple in the Middle of the RiverLoi Krathong in Samut Prakan »