Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Translated to mean “The Temple of the Dawn,” the Wat Arun complex is a huge, active monastery. At the heart of Wat Arun are the five stupas, or towers, each pointing towards the heavens. Originally decorated with the broken china that served as ballast for river barges, the stupas are colorful and wonderfully eclectic. For the more adventurous travelers, it’s possible to climb to the top of the central stupa for amazing views of the city. The first time I visited six years ago it started raining so we sought shelter under one of the temple awnings. It was a magical moment sitting there contemplating the meticulously constructed towers. Hands down, my favorite spot in all of Bangkok is this riverside temple. Wat Arun is located on the west side of Chao Praya River opposite Tha Thien Pier. It’s open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and requires a nominal entrance fee.

One of the famous temple in Bangkok city. The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan (วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร). Named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn, the Wat Arun is considered one of the most well known of Thailand’s many landmarks. Dont miss this place when you visit Bangkok!

Wat Arun, on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya river, is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok. But it also is a great viewpoint over the skyline, the river and the old capital of Siam - Thonburi, which is now a part of Bangkok.

Although it’s true that the best views of Wat Arun are from across the Chao Phraya river at night, how could one miss this beauty? Broken porcelain courtesy of the Chinese.

One of the most recognizable symbols in all of Southeast Asia is the Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn. The impressive architecture is situated magnificently on the Chao Phraya River that winds through Bangkok. Watch the sunrise, or head over at midday in order to climb the central spire of the temple. At the bottom you will find intricate sculptures of soldiers and animals, at the top you will be able to see the river below and the neighboring Buddhist Temples. Make sure to stay to watch the sunset and to see the temple lit up at nightfall.

With a population that is 95 percent Buddhist, Thailand is a surefire bet for those with a taste for temples. Bangkok has hundreds of them from humble pagodas tucked away down tiny sois to vast showpiece complexes that are known to visitors from every point on the globe. Of these, the most recognizable is arguably Wat Arun. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple’s stunning phra prang (towers) are depicted on the Thai 10-baht coin and are best appreciated from the other side of the river, particularly at sunset. Bangkok’s other big-hitting wats include Wat Phra Kaew, which enshrines the revered Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho, the home of Thailand’s biggest reclining Buddha.

I got off the longtail boat and stood there trying to decide whether to climb the stairs and a priest walked up to me with a huge snake curled around him. He asked me if I were too afraid to hold it and I said no and reached for it. Someone took my picture of the priest, the snake and me, so I have one of my favorite memories on film.