Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
A temple defined by its 79m central spire (prang) rising on the west bank of the Chao Phraya. Its surface is densely decorated with broken Chinese porcelain and seashells, so its color shifts with sunlight and dusk. Climb the steep stairs to the mid-level for a sweeping view of the river and the Bangkok skyline.
History
An old temple dating to the Ayutthaya era; it is called the Temple of Dawn because King Taksin of the Thonburi dynasty is said to have arrived here at first light. The huge prang you see today was completed under Rama II–III, and its decoration used porcelain shards that had arrived as ballast on Chinese trading junks. It symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the Hindu cosmos.
Getting there
Take the small cross-river ferry (about 5 baht) from the Tha Tien pier in front of Wat Pho and you arrive directly. Admission for foreigners is 200 baht. Its silhouette seen from the east bank at sunset is especially beautiful, making it a favorite night-view spot.
Tips
- ·Admission 200 baht
- ·Cross-river ferry (~5 baht) from in front of Wat Pho
- ·Best silhouette is from the far bank at sunset
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