Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn

The statuary pagoda of Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, also known as Wat Chaeng or Temple of the Dawn, is one of the most photographed and remembered sites in skyline of Bangkok. It is located on the Western bank of Chao Phraya River, in Thonburi district, opposite to Tha Thien Pier. The majestic pagoda is considered one of the most beautiful temples of the capital, not only for its privileged riverside location, but also because the design is very different from all the other temples of Bangkok. Wat Arun was built when Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam, and was originally called Wat Makok or Wat Makok Nok. The story goes that General Taksin after fighting with the Burmese army, outside Ayutthaya, he reached the temple at down, and by this fact was chose the new name of the temple. The temple has been renovated for the first time when General Taksin became King and moved the capital from Ayutthaya to Thonburi, in 1767, and built a royal palace near the temple, and he appointed him precisely Wat Chaeng. Wat Chaeng was officially renamed during the reign of King Rama II as Wat Arunrajawararam Rajaworamahavihara, during its second restructuring. The great pagoda was completed in the reign of King Rama III, and here were move the ashes of King Rama II, during the reign of Rama IV. Wat Arun was for a time the residence of the Emerald Buddha, before the capital and the Royal Palace were moved on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya. The main feature of Wat Arun is undoubtedly the great pagoda, Prang in Thai language, built with Khmer-influenced architecture. The pagoda, 67 meters high, is made of concrete and covered with millions of Chinese porcelain pieces, as well the other four smaller pagodas surrounding the main structure. It was Rama III who added the decoration of the spiers in porcelain, so that they reflect the light in the sun. The visit to the Wat Aun is recommended at sunset, and even its name identifies it as the temple of dawn, it is precisely at sunset when the last rays of the sun strike the pagoda that the view is breathtaking.
Admission fee & Opening hours: Wat Arun is open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. Admission fee is 50 THB.
Getting there: Wat Arun is roughly in front to Wat Pho, on the opposite bank of Chao Phraya River. The path to achieve the temple is similar. You can use the Skytrain until Saphan Taksin station of Silom line, then walk up to Sathorn Pier and from there take a boat of Chao Phraya River Express until Tha Thien Pier, from the pier there is a shuttle boat that will carry you on the opposite side of the river, where the temple is located.Read More