Wat Arun

You can climb the central Khmer-style prang (typical temple structures’ spires) of the so-called Temple of the Dawn, which is on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and is reachable by riverboat. Steep steps lead up to several tiers, all covered in mosaics that were artfully made from countless pieces of broken Chinese porcelain. Morning light turns these surfaces iridescent, which is how this Buddhist temple, which no longer has any practicing monks affiliated with it, got its name. Those without time for a tour of every temple may opt to skip Wat Arun and instead, enjoy the tremendous temple lit at night from across the river on the terrace at Sala Rattanakosin.