Just a quick water taxi ride across the river from our hotel was the Temple of the Dawn, or Wat Arun. This spectacular temple is notable for many reasons. It is an unusual blend Thai & Khmer architecture and is covered in Chinese porcelain, (apparently recycled ballast from Chinese trading vessels). It is also located inside one of the oldest temple complexes in Bangkok. What really makes this temple a star however, is the Khmer style central prang that reaches well over 200' above the city. After climbing ridiculously steep stairs up this tower you are greeted with spectacular views of Bangkok. Be prepared though. It's hot and muggy and the stairs are precariously steep, particularly on the trip down.

A great source of info on Wat Arun is available at thailandforvisitors.com.

Top Left: The Central Ubosot or Ordination Hall with its demon guardians. Top Right & above: Views from the Prang. Above right: A closer view of the Ordination Hall. Right & below: Various views of the central prang.
	One of the central prang's smaller "siblings". Kara & I about to begin the arduous climb up the insanely steep steps. These would not pass code back home.

All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Daren Willden, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.