Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

While enjoying another three-day weekend due to Thailand's Coronation Day on Friday, May 5, I crossed the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok to visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, with two co-workers, Lisa and Abi.

We had just made it safely across for the low price of 3 baht (40 baht = $1) and hopped in a taxi when the monsoon season returned in full force! The taxi driver dropped us off at a restaurant just across the street from Wat Arun where we enjoyed a steaming hot bowl of noodle soup with four slices of pork and chives on top for 30 baht.

The rain subsided, so we took out our cameras and canvassed the grounds of Wat Arun. It's similar to various parts of Wat Pho at the Grand Palace, but larger and more intricate.

The day became quite steamy and after a couple of hours we hopped back on a ferry to make the trip down to the skytrain at Saphan Taksin for 11 baht.

Note: Thailand's King Bhumibol is the longest reigning king in the history of the world. He assumed the kingship in 1946, making this the 60th anniversary of his reign. The King is extremely well loved and respected by the Thai people.