Bucket listing Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn in Bangkok is a must see to tick off the list while in Thailand.
The temple is situated in Bangkok’s Yai district, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
The name, Wat Arun derives it’s name from the Hindu God Aruna, noted as a the radiations of a rising sun.
Wat Arun is one of the most photographed temple’s in all of Thailand, particularly when visited in the early morning when the first sun light reflects off the surface of the temple’s pearly tiled exterior.
The temple has existed since the seventeenth century, but it’s distinctive prang spires were built in the early nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II.
The most outstanding feature of Wat Arun is it’s central prang which dominated the sky standing at 80 meters tall and symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, the Hindu center of the universe.
It is possible to climb the prang, using some very steep exterior steps, to two terraces providing unimpeded views of the surrounding gardens and soi’s.
Around the base of the prang are various sculptures and statues of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals.Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan.
The landscaping themselves surrounding the temple are a sight to behold, with manicured lawns and tree’s that seem to have an almost surreal character of their own.
Visiting the temple can best best made by catching one of the many long boats or ferries up the Chao Phraya River, but ensure that you have allocated plenty of time to soak up the ambiance that is the Temple of Dawn.
We took a long boat up the main length of the river, but bear in mind that this river is by no means clean, and choosing your mode of transport can be very important.
On a rough ride in a smaller long tail, you can potentially be splashed by the murky waters, so hoping a boat with side curtains is very important despite the heat.
For the Farang visiting Wat Arun, a fee of 50THB with see you entering the grounds and having full access to the site.
Taking you time to explore this area is well recommended.
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