Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

Wat Arun — the Temple of Dawn — towers over the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, directly across from Wat Pho. The central prang rises 70 meters and is covered in thousands of pieces of Chinese porcelain and colored glass that catch the light differently throughout the day. Steep stairs lead partway up the tower for views across the river to the Grand Palace and old Bangkok. Entry is 100 baht. The easiest way to get there from Khao San Road is to walk to Tha Tien pier and take the cross-river ferry for 4 baht. Sunset is the iconic time to visit, but the temple is equally striking after dark when floodlights illuminate the porcelain mosaics. The grounds close at 6pm, so for the best evening views, watch from the east bank at a riverside bar.