Wat Arun

It's Wat Arun, "The Temple of Dawn". Unfortunately, being a cover model has its drawbacks, and the temple is probably a little too for its own good, but it's still such an outstanding monument that it's worth a visit.

The towering prang with its four smaller siblings was started by Rama II in the early part of the 19th century, and completed by his successor Rama III.

The prang is not only unique in its design, which ia a blend of Khmer and Thai styles, but also in decoration. Over the brick core, a layer of plaster was applied and then decorated with bits of Chinese porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles. Using porcelain from China isn't as extravagant as it might sound. In the early days of Bangkok, Chinese trading ships calling on the Siamese capital used tons of porcelain as ballast. The temple is just an early example of the Thai approach to "recycling".

Like the bell shaped chedi, the central Prang represents Mount Meru, home of the Gods, the four smaller prangs symbolize the four winds. High up on the four smaller towers, you can see a statue of Pai, God of The Winds, on his horse.