Known as the Temple of the Dawn, the full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara. Wat Arun is one of Bangkok's most favorite attractions; this Buddhist Wat in Bangkok (named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna), is situated in the Yai District, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.

The sanctuary pre-dates the founding of Bangkok as the capital; it was renovated during the brief Thonburi era to be the Royal Chapel of King Taksin.

BEST OF THAILAND
	The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
	Nang Yai (Shadow Puppet Plays)
	Wat Arun
	Wat Pho
	Ayutthaya
	Jim Thompson's House
	Ecotourism in Umphang
	Sukhothai
	Ao Phang-Nga National Marine Park

An essential structure of the Wat Arun is a 260-foot-pagoda or “Phra Phang”, this impressive five spired prang is an attribute not found on anything like this scale in any other Bangkok Wat, ornamented with ceramic tiles and fragments of colorful porcelain, this has become an iconic emblem for Thailand.

Visitors can reach the Wat by ferry from the Tha Thien dock a short walk from Wat Pho or by Arun Amarin Road. Wat Arun is the location of numerous festivals during the tourist season from December to March. These consist of an impressive sound-and-light show held in the evenings.

« Back to Best of Thailand