Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
Wat Arun ("Temple
of the Dawn") is a Buddhist temple (wat)
in the Bangkok Yai district of
Bangkok,
Thailand, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
The full
name of the temple is Wat Arun Ratchawararam
Ratchawaramahawihan (วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร). Wat Arun is a
little unusual as it's really the
only major tourist attraction on the
Thonburi side of the river.
At Wat Arun, best views
of Wat Arun come at sunset.
There are
several restaurants and coffee shops
across the river that makes fine
viewpoints.
Besides, the
outstanding feature of Wat Arun is its central prang
(a prang is a Khmer-style
pagoda), which is about
80 meters tall and symbolizes the legendary
Mount Meru, center of the universe.
It is possible to climb the prang, using
some very
steep exterior steps, to
two terraces providing fine views.
The corners are
surrounded by four smaller satellite prangs, which
are dedicated to the wind
god Phra Phai. The prangs are decorated
by seashells and bits of porcelain
which were used as ballast by
boats coming to Bangkok from China.
Around the base of the
prang are various sculptures of ancient
Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the
second terrace are four
statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan.
Moreover, at the
riverside are six pavilions (sala) in Chinese style,
made of green granite and
contain landing bridges.
Next to the prangs is the Ordination Hall with the Niramitr Buddha
image said to have been designed by King Rama II. The front
entrance of the Ordination Hall has a roof with a central spire,
decorated in colored ceramic and stuccowork sheated in colored
china.
Visitor Information
Address:
Wang Doem, Bangkok Yai,
Bangkok, Thailand
Phone: 2465-5640
Public transport:
Bus: 19, 57, or 83
Ferry: Tha Tien Pier
(by Wat Pho) to Wat Arun Pier
It is open every day
from 8.30am to 5.30pm
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