Wat Arun, Bangkok Located close to the Chao Phraya riverfront on Bangkok's west bank, Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) is one of the city's most prominent landmarks; it's towering steeple-like stupa, surrounded by four smaller spires known as prangs, forms a unique shilouette, at first as reminiscent of a gothic cathedral as a normal Thai temple. The temple itself is located behind the stupa/pagoda and is a fairly extensive complex founded in the late 18th century, but it is generally the giant spire-stupa, built in the first half of the 19th century, that visitors focus on. The monument is almost entirely encrusted with porcelain mosaic decoration which extends to much of the figure sculpture (rows of crouching demons, monkey warriors and apsaras can be seen propping up the tower at various levels). Two terraces, one and two thirds up respectively, afford spectacular views over the temple complex and across the Chao Phraya and city centre beyond. The upper level however is only accessible via a terrifyingly steep staircase! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Arun / VFL.Ru