Wat Arun

Of the more than 31,000 temples throughout Thailand, this one, standing 269 feet tall, is one of the most iconic. It’s fine to fly solo at Wat Arun. There isn’t much information available at the ticket booth, so let Google be your tour guide. Visitors clamor to Wat Arun because it’s one of the few temples in Thailand that you can climb; once you’ve ascended the steep and narrow stairs, you’re in for a great view of the river and surrounding temple complex. After taking in the sights, walk back down the stairs and inspect the floral murals made from broken Chinese porcelain discarded by Chinese traders who worked at the nearby port. Next, don’t miss the boht—ordination hall—filled with the ashes of Rama II, more ornate murals, and rows of gilded Buddhas.