A view across the Chao Phraya river which divides Bangkok. The river separates Bangkok from the previous capital of Thonburi. This is Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn; in Thonburi. It was the capital for 15 years prior to Bangkok. To visit Thonburi is extremely easy, with a simple water-taxi ride across the river. It is well worth the extraordinarily steep set of stairs to climb to the top of the temple for the perfect view over all of Bangkok. From here you will be able to see the vastness of the city as well as the great number of new and under-construction high-rise towers.