Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful and distinctive sites, recognizable by its temple spires. It’s definitely a must-see if you’re in Bangkok and a historic landmark not to be missed.
It’s very important that shoulders and knees are covered when entering the temple. Shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, low-cut tops, or sheer/tight clothing are also prohibited. You can rent a saron at the entrance to enter while respecting the rules.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, known simply as Wat Arun or the “Temple of Dawn,” is one of Bangkok’s most recognizable landmarks. Located on the west bank (Thonburi) of the Chao Phraya River, it stands out clearly from the city’s other temples: while the Grand Palace and Wat Pho gleam with gold, Wat Arun enchants with its spires decorated with thousands of pieces of colorful porcelain and shells.
Its name derives from Aruna, the Indian goddess of dawn, and symbolizes the first light of the morning reflecting on its pearly surface.
It was originally a small temple called Wat Makok (Temple of Olives). After the fall of Ayutthaya, General Taksin (who became king) established the new capital at Thonburi. It is said that he arrived at the temple just as dawn broke, considering it an auspicious sign. He renamed the temple Wat Chaeng and included it in his royal palace complex. For a short time, it housed the sacred Emerald Buddha before it was moved to the current Wat Phra Kaew. The imposing appearance you see today is the work of Kings Rama II and Rama III. It was they who ordered the central tower (prang) to be raised to its current height of about 70-80 meters and decorated it with distinctive ceramics.
The floral decorations are made from plates, bowls, and fragments of Chinese porcelain. Interestingly, these pieces were originally used as ballast by Chinese trading ships arriving in Bangkok; instead of throwing them away, the architects used them to create the magnificent mosaics that reflect the sunlight.
The main tower, over 70 meters high, represents Mount Meru, which in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology is considered the center of the universe. The 4 Satellite Prangs: Surrounding the central tower are four smaller spires housing statues of Phra Phai (the god of wind). They represent the four cardinal points and the continents surrounding Mount Meru.
It is also possible to climb the towers.
The yakshas that support the towers are very particular and richly decorated, even if they do not stand out much due to the coloured background.
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