Temple of Dawn: In Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple also known as Temple of Dawn, named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. Wat Arun is one of the most striking riverside landmarks of Thailand. Despite the name, the most spectacular view of the glittering monument can be seen from the east side of the river at sunset, when the spires of Wat Arun make an impressive silhouette against the skyline. The Wat Arun is one of only six temples of the highest grade of the first class Royal Temples, and therefore one of Thailand’s most revered temples. Explore your Thailand Tours with Thailand Travel Agency.

Location

Located in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, Thailand, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun is one of the most striking riverside landmarks of Thailand.

About Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

• This Wat or Buddhist temple is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist Cosmology.
• It is also one of the few temples that predates the founding of Bangkok and the start of the Rattanakosin era in 1782. It’s Prang dominated the skyline around the Chao Phraya river during the early days of Bangkok and today is still one of the most impressive sights on the river.
• The prang was raised to its current height of over 80 meters. The Khmer style tower is decorated with millions of small pieces of colorful Chinese porcelain, which was in those days used as ballast on ships from China.
• A steep stairway on the side of the prang leads up to a terrace. You can climb the stairway giving a nice view of the river and surrounding area. Because the stairs are very steep and narrow it is not possible to go all the way up. Around the main prang are four similar smaller prangs.
• The ubosot or ordination hall houses the principal Buddha image of the Wat Arun. The image was designed by King Rama II himself, who was very interested in poetry and art, and who ruled from 1809 until 1824.
• Around the central prang are four mondops or pavilions enshrining Buddha images representing four important occurrences in the life of the Buddha, namely birth, first sermon in Sarnath to five monks, enlightenment and passing into final nirvana.
• A mondop houses a copy of the Buddha’s footprint. A number of very large guardian statues in the Wat Arun are very similar to those in the Grand Palace. On the river side you will find a number of salas (open air pavilions).

How to Get There

The best way to get there is by boat. Take a Chao Phraya express boat to Tha Tien pier at the Grand Palace on the East bank of the river. From there, cross the river with the Tha Tien express boat. During the short ride you will have excellent views and photo opportunities of the huge Wat Arun prang.