Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Bangkok

History

Wat Arun is a royal temple on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. The original temple dates from the Ayutthaya period. When King Taksin and his army reached the area where he was to build his new capital Thonburi, after defeating the Burmese who had sacked Ayutthaya, he arrived at dawn. He renamed the monastery he found there Wat Jaeng - meaning clear or bright temple. Construction of the tall prang (Khmer-style spire) and four smaller ones was started by King Rama II (1809-1824) and completed by King Rama III (1824-1851). The temple is depicted on the back of the 10 baht coin.

What to see

The temple towers are supported by rows of celestials and monkeys. Steep and narrow steps lead to a balcony high on the central tower. The circumference of the base of the structure is 234 meters, and the central prang is 250 feet high. The central balcony commands an impressive view of Bangkok across the river, and the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho can easily be seen. However, photographs of the prang are best taken from across the river or on the boat as it arrives.

Getting there

Wat Arun can be reached by a short boat ride across the river from the pier near Wat Pho.

Updated: March 6, 2012.

Wat Arun from the river

View of Wat Arun from the river.

Wat Arun ordination hall

View of Wat Arun Ordination Hall at dusk.

Wat Arun ordination hall yak

A yak guards Wat Arun's Ordination Hall.

Wat Arun buddha footprint

Buddha footprint (Phra Phutthabat) at Wat Arun.

Wat Arun buddha chedi celestials

Celestial beings support the base of a chedi at Wat Arun.

Wat Arun buddha small prang

View from the main prang at Wat Arun.

Wat Arun chedi

The steps up the prang are steep and scary.