Wat Arun, "Temple of Dawn"

At 13:44, Kade and I actually enter the temple.

Thailand's legendary capital Ayutthaya was burned to the ground by Burma in a brutal mid-18th century war.  A general named Taksin, in retreat and attempting to reorganize troops and salvage the remaining areas of the Siamese kingdom, made his way south to the settlement of Thonburi to establish a new base and capital.  General Taksin arrived at this temple, according to lore, right as dawn was breaking....hence the name, Wat Arun, "Temple of Dawn."  The temple actually predates Bangkok, and is over 300 years old.....still very young by Thai standards. 

The tallest prang has a couple of observation areas that can be reached by climbing some steep stairs.  Once you get to the second level, there's a fabulous view of the Chao Phraya River ("River of Kings") and some of the city's modern highrises.

What became of General Taksin?  Well, he became King, only to be executed after allegedly going insane.  Following strict protocol, in order not to spill royal blood, King Taksin was sealed up in a velvet bag and beaten to death.  Another general assumed the throne, and the capital moved from Thonburi across the river to a sleepy fishing village that ultimately grew into one of the world's great cities, Bangkok.

What is history but a fable agreed upon?  - Napoleon Bonaparte