Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is on the opposite side of the Chayo Phraya river from Bangkok, in Thonburi. It is one of the most recognized temples in Thailand, very often photographed for promotions for tourism to Thailand.

The Temple looks plain from a distance but is very ornate up close. It is mostly covered with ceramic tiles and relief statues.
Wat Arun is and active temple with monks and services. But the vast majority of its income comes from tourism, entrance fee is 50 baht about $1.25.

Do you want something to eat? Open markets are the way Thais buy their food. The lage majority live in single rooms without airconditioning and refrigerators are more than a luxury. So perishable food is bought daily. They also use a great deal of dried foods, which are dried in the sun.

The city of Ayuthaya, about 50 miles north of Bangkok, was the capitol of Thailand 200 years ago. This temple is one of at least 30 that are 400 years and more old. They were built of brick and then stuccoed over to appear smooth with intricate patterns carved in the stucco. This was the burial chamber for one of the kings. The idea is somilar to the piramids with valuables buried in the center.

On my trip to Ayuthaya from Bankok, I got a seat no problem. The return trip was another story. We were buts to nuts as they say. I was standing on the step to the outside door. No pigs or chickens but you could have cooked them it was so hot. The trip was only about 2 hours so it could have been worse.

My digs in Kanchanaburi, one room with private bathroom, small balcony, western toilet and view of the River Kwai, $7.00 a night. Bamboo on the inside also and yes it does have about a 10 degree slope toward the river. It took a couple of days but I finlly stopped falling downhill. I have house guests, 3 Tokay Geckos about 8" long, they keep down the bugs and are very politethey don't hang out when I'm there.