Phu Khao Thong (“Golden Mountain”, ) is a steep artificial hill inside the Wat Saket compound. Rama I's grandson, King
Rama III (1788–1851), decided to build a
chedi of huge dimensions inside Wat Saket, but the chedi collapsed during construction because the soft soil of Bangkok could not support the weight. Over the next few decades, the abandoned mud-and-brick structure acquired the shape of a natural hill and was overgrown with weeds. The locals called it the
phu khao (ภูเขา, 'mountain'), as if it was a natural feature. During that time, it also functioned as a lookout tower for soldiers concerned about the arrival of enemy armies. During the reign of King
Rama IV, construction began of a small chedi on the hill. It was completed early in the reign of his son, King
Rama V (1853–1910) and sanctified by being covered in a layer of gold. A relic of the Buddha was brought from Sri Lanka by Prince
Pritsadang and placed in the chedi. The surrounding concrete walls were added in the 1940s to stop the hill from eroding. The modern Wat Saket was built in the early 20th century using
Carrara marble. An annual festival is held at Wat Saket every November, featuring a
candlelight procession up Phu Khao Thong to the chedi, which is wrapped in a long red robe—just like the "Hae Pha Khuen That" (แห่ผ้าขึ้นธาตุ) festival at
Wat Phra Mahathat in
Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. Devotees write their names and their family member's names on the robe and pray, believing that their wishes will be fulfilled. This tradition has been observed since the reign of King Rama V. At the same time, a grand
Loi Krathong festival takes place at the temple, accompanied by sideshows and
freak exhibits such as
Phi Krasue (ผีกระสือ; "a floating female ghost head with glowing entrails"),
Dek Song Hua (เด็กสองหัว, "a two-headed child"),
Mia Ngu (เมียงู, "the snake's wife"), or
fun games like
Sao Noi Tok Nam (สาวน้อยตกน้ำ, "the little girl falls into the water"), among others. The festival is well known among Bangkok residents. The nearby
Fort Mahakan community was once a hub of the
fireworks industry, but following the demolition of the fort and relocation of the community, the trading of fireworks has been banned. Phu Khao Thong is now a popular Bangkok tourist attraction and has become a symbol of the city. ==Vultures of Wat Saket==