Interesting temples in Bangkok

History of Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan

Wat Arun Ratchawararam, also known as Wat Chaeng, is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Originally known as Wat Makok Nok, it is one of Bangkok's most significant temples. During the reign of King Taksin the Great, the capital was moved from Ayutthaya to Thonburi, and Wat Chaeng was designated a royal temple. At that time, it also housed the Emerald Buddha, brought from Vientiane.

Wat Arun underwent extensive renovations and renovations throughout the temple by King Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II). Upon his accession to the throne, he commissioned the completion of the ubosot (ordination hall) and the viharn (wihan). He also sculpted a Buddha statue himself and had it cast as the principal Buddha image in the ubosot (ordination hall). The temple was renamed Wat Arun Ratchatharam.
Later, during the reign of King Rama III, the main prang was completed, succeeding the one built by King Rama II. It stood 81.85 meters high and 234 meters wide, but was only completed during the reign of King Rama IV and was renamed "Wat Arun Ratchawararam."

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan has undergone periodic renovations, most recently beginning in September 2013 and completing in 2017.

Prang of Wat Arun
Another important tourist attraction at Wat Arun is the prang. This large Thai architectural structure comprises the main prang and four secondary prangs, constructed of brick and mortar decorated with colored glass, similar to the main prang.

The current prang is not the original prang from the Ayutthaya period. It was rebuilt during the reign of King Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II) in 1820 and completed during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III). The newly renovated prang measures 81.85 meters from base to top.

Later, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama IV), a major renovation of the prang was undertaken, resulting in the prang we see today. The prang is made of brick and mortar, decorated with shells, glazed tiles, and colorful Benjarong bowls and plates, decorated with floral, leaf, and other motifs, most of which originated in China.

The prang of Wat Arun is also a symbol of tourism in Thailand, and has even been used as the emblem of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

✨️ Address: Wang Derm Road, Wat Arun Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok
⏰️ Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
📞 Tel: 0-2891-2185

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