Thailand’s capital, although increasingly westernised in appearance, is underpinned by a strong sense of tradition. Through the city flows the Chao Phraya River on whose banks can be found the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, a temple complex which houses the Emerald Buddha. Upriver from the Grand Palace are the Royal Barges – these richly ornamented barges are still used today for special processions on the Chao Phraya. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temples and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The gardens surrounding the temples offer an escape from the hectic pace of the big city, while the Floating Market is an interesting place to visit, although it is now more of a tourist attraction rather than a genuine market for Thai people.