The porcelain spire
Clad in coloured Chinese porcelain.
Diliff — CC BY 2.5 · Photogoddle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Brandon Fick — CC BY 2.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Temple of Dawn, one of Bangkok's best-known symbols, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River opposite Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Its name comes from Aruna, god of the rising sun in Indian myth, and its soaring central spire was built in the early nineteenth century under Kings Rama II and Rama III. What sets the spire apart is that it is clad from top to bottom in small pieces of coloured Chinese porcelain and seashells, arranged in flowers and fine patterns that glitter in the sun. You can climb part of its very steep steps for a view over the river, and around it are smaller spires and Chinese guardian statues. Tickets for foreigners are about two hundred baht; it opens daily from eight to six, with last entry around half past five. Modest dress is required, and traditional Thai costumes can be rented at the entrance for photographs. The finest view is from the opposite bank at sunset, when the spire is lit and mirrored in the river, which is why the Temple of Dawn is famous for its sunsets. Get there by ferry from Tha Tien pier near Wat Pho.
Clad in coloured Chinese porcelain.
Opposite the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
The lit spire mirrored in the water.
West bank of the Chao Phraya River, Thonburi
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)One of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples, directly south of the Grand Palace 7 minutes walk
Museum SiamA modern interactive museum opened in 2007 in the old Ministry of Commerce build8 minutes walk
Bang Luang Mosque (Kudi Khao)A unique mosque described as the only Thai-style mosque in the world, in the old8 minutes walk
Grand Palace and the Emerald BuddhaThailand's most famous landmark: a lavish royal complex of palaces, halls and te9 minutes walk
Pak Khlong Talat Flower MarketBangkok's main flower market, along Chak Phet Road and side streets near Memoria11 minutes walkIn the morning to go inside before the heat, then watch it from the opposite bank at sunset. Many visit straight after Wat Pho by ferry.