Wat Arun's spectacular 76-metre high tower, decorated with colourful ceramic tiles, rises up dramatically from its location on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok Yai. Climb the tower for delightful views across the river to the Royal Grand Palace.
Also known as The Temple of Dawn, it was supposedly named because General Phraya Taksin reached the complex at the break of dawn, following his frenetic down-river rush from the smouldering ruins of the sacked capital of Ayutthaya.
Built in classical Ayutthaya style, the temple complex differs from others that have been built in and around Bangkok and is a structural wonder to behold. It's also an enduring symbol of Thailand: its image appears on the Bt10 coin and is the official symbol of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.