Your trip to Bangkok will certainly be eventful. Don’t forget to drink lots of fluids. It will get pretty warm over here! Anyways, while here, make your way to the Chao Phraya River, where many of the city’s iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the always picturesque and iconic tower of Wat Arun. And Wat Arun (also known as the Temple of the Dawn) sure is photo worthy, especially when it slowly approaches you from your boat on the Chao Phraya.

Once upon a time, before the first construction of the city’s modern skyscraper, Wat Arun was Bangkok’s tallest structure. It majestically looks over the Chao Phraya River from its Thonburi banks, with awesome views of the city available. Its most notable feature is the tower (called prang in Thai) which for some funny reason, has an inconsistent height claim. Some sources bill it as 67 meters while others have it at 104 meters high. A measurement between 80-86 meters seems to be the acceptable range.

And speaking of impressive views, there are very steep and narrow steps that lead to a balcony high on the central tower. From up here, you can see the Chao Phraya River weaving its way through the city, with the glitter of the Grand Palace, the temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho catching your attention. And if you look out even further, the modern metropolis of downtown Bangkok.

The much venerated Emerald Buddha once briefly called Wat Arun home until it moved to Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace complex, its final resting place. Even though it is called the Temple of the Dawn (in reference to the morning sunlight reflecting off the temple and giving off different glowing colors), Wat Arun may be better viewed during the evening from the opposite bank of the river. During this time, the spires of the tower are beautifully highlighted against the evening sky, with the sun setting right behind it.

Discover the capital’s main attractions as well as its hidden gems with Exotissimo’s Bangkokian Tour day trip. A ride on the Chao Phraya River will take you to many of these destinations. End the day with a picturesque view of Wat Arun.

www.exotissimmo.com/