Wat Arun

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, stands on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River, across from the old city. Its central prang, a tall, tapering tower in the Khmer style, is encrusted with pieces of coloured porcelain and seashell arranged into flowers, and is surrounded by four smaller towers.

You can climb part of the way up its steep steps for a view across the river towards the Grand Palace, then wander the quieter courtyards below. Getting there is easy: a short cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier, right beside Wat Pho.

Visit in the late afternoon, then cross back and watch the sun set behind the spire from a riverside café or from the deck of an evening cruise. The same dress code as the Grand Palace applies, so keep shoulders and knees covered.