Wat Arun - Temple of the Dawn, Bangkok

After the fall of Ayuthaya, due to the Burmese invasions, King Thaksin established a temple here to host the emerald Buddha. The temple was named after the god od dawn or Aruna. Wat Arun has a very original architectural style and a tall chedi, which is 82m high. The tower's construction was lead by Rama II on 19th century and finished by his succesor Rama III

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Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River opposite Wat Pho and is the standout temple in Bangkok. Construction of the tall prang and four smaller ones was started by King Rama II (r. 1809-1824) and completed by King Rama III (r. 1824-1851). The towers are supported by rows of demons and monkeys. Very 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 foot high. The central balcony commands an impressive view of Bangkok across the river. From here you can see the Grand palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the spacious Wat Pho.

The towers of Wat Arun are built of brick covered with stucco. The decorations are unique; thousands of pieces of multicoloured Chinese porcelain. In niches in the central tower are green figures of the God Indra seated on Erawan, the traditional Thai three-headed elephant. Niches in the smaller towers contain figures of the Moon God, on a white horse. The trident of Shiva extends from the top of each tower.

Open: 9am-5pm. Admission: 50B.

What is it?

The temple is also known as 'the Temple of Dawn', it stands on the riverbank and is one of the most photographed sights in Bangkok

Description:

The temple has fairly small ground with one large central tower, and four smaller ones. There seems to be some disagreement over the height of the main tower, with estimates ranging from 80 to 100 meters, with the majority of numbers somewhere in the region of 85.

Whatever the true height, the more remarkable features are, first of all, the steep steps (I have not been to Cambodia by then, so did not know what steep really means) and the bits of porcellain with which the tower is decorated.

Best View?

Although it's known as 'the Temple of Dawn', personally I much preferred the view from the river after sunset

This place was great. The temple is covered with little pieces of porcelain. There were not many tourist there when I visited it so I could enjoy it better. I climbed almost to the top. It was a real challange, cuz of the stairs. They were almost vertical and very small, but when I had to come down it was even harder.
It is one of my favorite temples in Bangkok.

One of the most elegant temples in Bangkok, Wat Arun is located on the other side of the Menam Chao Phraya but you can easily take a short boat ride across from the Wat Pho. So you can visit both temples at the same time. Not to be missed if you want to say that you have seen all the famous temples of Thailand.

There is a small admission if you want to enter and climb the small steep steps to get a great view of the surrounding and the feel of the temple with the many elaborate carvings, mythical icons and statuettes.

As it is open air, it can be hot or raining. So be prepared for the elements. You can walk around the temple and see the surrounding monastic places for monks. I tried to find another way out but end up deciding to get back across the river.

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After going to the Grand Palace, walk and go to Tha Ten Pier. Pay 2 baht for a boat ride to wat arun. Very cheap!!! There is an entrance of 20 baht to Wat Arun. The best location to take a good picture though is outside but you must go inside to be able to appreciate the temple.

Wat Arun should also be on your top list of temples to visit here. Cost just 50 bht to enter and a couple of bht to cross the river, this place is truly a gem. I personally enjoy the boat ride and also the climb up the temple. An amazing view from up there overseeing the Chao Praya river awaits you. Very cool...

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Wat Arun was my personal favorite in Bangkok. Not only is it unique, but it is fun to climb the many steep steps to the top of the temple which allows a great view over Bangkok. The Wat is decorated with old China (plates and etc) which was used to balance weight in trade boats that came from China to Thailand. Instead of throwing away all the china, the Thai's used it to decorate this temple. Really the design is quite genius. You have to cross the river on a ferry to get there, just ask around or follow your travel guide. It can all get a bit confusing but is worth the effort!