Wat Arun

Among the more than 40,000 temples, or wats, throughout Thailand, Wat Arun is one of the most iconic. The 82-meter prang, in the style of a Khmer tower, rises above the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and the temple complex glows with golden light at night. Visitors flock here because it is one of the few temples in Thailand that can be climbed; after ascending the steep and narrow staircases, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the river and the surrounding temple. Proudly situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok's most famous landmarks. Unlike other Thai temples with golden roofs, Wat Arun stands out for its towering prang (a Khmer pyramid), covered in pieces of colorful ceramics and shells. The temple is named after Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, and looks especially impressive at sunrise and sunset.