Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun

The Temple of the Rising Sun coated in Chinese porcelain.
Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun

The full name of the Temple of Dawn is Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or just Wat Arun. The name of the temple comes from the name of the god Aruna, who personifies the rising sun. The surface of the temple shimmers pearly in the first rays of the morning sun.

Wat Arun is one of the most beautiful sights in Bangkok. The temple is easily accessible by ferry (fare 4 THB) on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is situated on Sanam Chai Road and Maharaj Road, next to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha – Wat Pho.

The main decoration of the Temple of Dawn is its central prang, a stupa-shaped pagoda inlaid with multicolored porcelain. The corners are enclosed by four smaller prangs. The main prang represents Mount Meru from Hindu cosmology. The companion prangs are dedicated to the god of wind Phra Phai. Yaksha (demons) at the Ubosot entrance belong to Ramakien.

INTERESTING FACTS

  • Wat Arun is the endpoint of the royal barge procession in Bangkok. This is a very rare ceremony, last held in 2012.
  • The temple is decorated with pieces of Chinese porcelain, which used to serve as ballast on ships arriving in Bangkok from China.
  • The central prang is 70 to 80 meters high.

TEMPLE OF DAWN – WAT ARUN DRESS CODE

Polite attire is required, with shorts above the knees for women prohibited.

ENTRANCE FEE

The entrance fee is 200 THB for foreigners.

TEMPLE OF DAWN – WAT ARUN LOCATION

OPENING HOURS: 9 am to 4.30 pm daily

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CONCLUSION

This Khmer-style temple is worth a visit on its own, but a small plus is that you can enjoy great views of the river, the other two main temples, and the historic center of Bangkok by climbing the stairs to the viewing terrace on the main prang.
Feel free to take pictures around.
However, the stairs can be quite steep, so be careful, especially if you are traveling with elderly people and young children.