Attractions information

Wat Arun Temple of Dawn

The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. It's one of Bangkok's best known and most photographed landmarks. It is best viewed from the river at dusk with the sun setting behind.

This ancient temple was originally known by locals as Wat Makok or The Olive Temple.

The temple was built in the days of Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya and its outstanding feature is its central Khmer-style prang reaching a height of some 86 metres. The corners are surrounded by 4 smaller satellite prangs which are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain that had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China.

Around the base of the prangs are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan.

This Buddhist temple is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology.

In the mythology of Tibetan Buddhism, Mount Meru is a place located somewhere beyond the physical plane of reality that simultaneously represents the center of the universe and the single-pointedness of mind sought by adepts. The four-corner prang of Wat Arun, which house images of the guardian gods of the four directions, reinforces this mystical symbolism.

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Bangkok Noi Canals

Bangkok has often been called the Venice of East, but over time many of the canals in the city have been filled in to make roads, so it is nice that this part of the city has retained the charm of living along the banks of serene canals. Take a long-tail boat and explore the myriad waterways.

Bangkok Noi Canal flows in a horseshoe shape through the old Bangkok Noi community in the Thonburi area.

The community was established in the Ayutthaya Period and King Chai Racha Dhiraj (1534-1546) commanded the excavation of a waterway from Bangkok Noi Canal to Bangkok Yai Canal as a shortcut to facilitate transport and communications.

Along both banks of the Bangkok Noi Canal, visitors see places of cultural and historical significance. On a boat trip you can pass the Thonburi railway station and the Royal Barges Museum. The boat trip also takes in several major temples and traditional Thai houses with carved designs.

Although cargo boats now use the direct route along the Chao Phraya River, the lively Bangkok Noi Canal community still endures. It reflects a bygone Thai lifestyle, inextricably related with waterways, and a Thai identity handed down from generation to generation.

Attractions information

Floating Market Taling Chan

Taling Chan Floating Market is located on the Chak Phra Canal and is only open on the weekends. Orchard produce, vegetables and fish are sold from boats.

There is a live traditional Thai music performance over lunch time, but the main attraction of the market seems to be the floating restaurants.

Taling Chan Floating Market is the only floating market in the Bangkok city area and is on a canal linking the Bangkok Noi canal to the north with the Bangkok Yai to the south.

It is located across the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi and the best way to get there is to take a boat tour through the Thonburi Canals. The boat will stop here for an hour or so, giving you time to wander through the market & to taste the culinary delights.

Moored alongside the main platform are a number of boats where vendors cook up a variety of mouth watering dishes. The floating restaurant has groups of low tables and you sit on the floor to eat. The food is cooked for you on the smaller boats.

One recommended item is the "Boat Noodles". It is a famous Thai dish, not only for its excellent taste but also for the scrumptiousness of a seasoning called "chilli", which is commonly used in every Thai household.

The Taling Chan Floating Market was initiated by Chamlong Srimuang in 1987 to honor King Bhumibol's 60th birthday.