Wat Arun Bangkok｜Temple of Dawn by the Chao Phraya River

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most iconic temples along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is famous for its unique Khmer-style prang (tower) and its exquisite exterior decorated with countless colorful ceramic and glass pieces. Especially at dawn or sunset, under the sunlight, it shines with a spectrum of colors, creating a breathtaking view.

Highlights of Wat Arun 🌟
· Main Prang: The central prang, standing 79 meters tall, is the essence of Wat Arun. The tower rises layer upon layer toward the sky. Its surface is densely inlaid with broken ceramics and seashell fragments imported from China, forming beautiful floral and mythical patterns that sparkle under the sunlight. You can climb the steep stairs of part of the tower to overlook the Chao Phraya River and the scenery on the opposite bank from above.
· Four Satellite Prangs: Surrounding the main prang are four smaller towers, styled consistently with the main tower and equally ornate, together creating a harmonious and magnificent scene.
· Guardian Statues: Around the base of the prang are many statues of mythical figures and the monkey god Hanuman, vividly shaped, adding a mysterious aura to the temple.
· Former Site of the Emerald Buddha Temple: Before the Emerald Buddha was moved to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun was the place where it was enshrined, thus carrying important historical significance.
· Riverside Scenery: Wat Arun is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, facing the Reclining Buddha Temple and the Grand Palace across the river. Viewing the magnificent Wat Arun from the river is a favorite for many tourists, especially at sunset when the temple’s silhouette blends with the evening glow, creating a picturesque scene.

History and Cultural Significance 📜
Wat Arun’s history dates back to the 17th century during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. King Taksin the Great, founder of the Thonburi Kingdom, established a royal palace here and made it a royal temple. Major renovations and expansions were carried out during the reigns of Rama II and Rama III, resulting in the grand scale we see today. Its unique architectural style and exquisite decorations make it an outstanding representation of Thai art and architecture.

Visitor Information 💡
· Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
· Admission: Foreign visitors are required to pay an entrance fee.
· Dress Code: When entering the temple grounds, especially inside the halls, appropriate attire is recommended. Avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops. Wearing long pants or long skirts and tops with sleeves is advised to show respect.
· Transportation: Wat Arun is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The most convenient way is to take the Chao Phraya tourist boat or ferry to Tha Tien (N8) pier, then transfer to the ferry on the opposite bank (just a few minutes, very low cost) to reach the temple. You can also take a taxi or tuk-tuk from areas like Khao San Road.
· Photo Tips: The best photo angles are not only inside the temple but also from restaurants or viewpoints on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, capturing the beautiful scene of the temple and river together.

Post by Eliz Guei | Jul 31, 2025