Wat Arun

Like many Thai temples, Wat Arun has another name by which it’s often referred to: Temple of Dawn. This vibrant wat is located alongside the Chao Phraya River and across from Wat Pho, making it easy to come across as you explore the city. The temple is perhaps best known for its colourful prangs—also known as spires—that shoot upwards into the sky. Its most famous prang stands over 70 metres tall, adorned with brightly coloured pieces of glass. Visitors are permitted to climb this central prang, though it’s not for the faint of heart—the steep stairs can prove difficult for some people.

Wat Arun’s main prang was built to full height between the early to mid 1800s under Rama III, and design with Khmer style. During 2016 it’s been under construction: depending on when you go, certain areas may be inaccessible. This striking place is still worth exploring, but we suggest checking on the renovation status beforehand to mitigate expectations. The temple is open daily, with an entrance fee of just 50 THB.