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Wat Arun Buddhist Temple in Bangkok Yai
Wat Arun is one of the most used landmark photos in Bangkok. It is well worth a visit rather than simply looking at it from the river bank.
Things to Know about the "Temple of Dawn"
Wat Arun is called the Temple of the Dawn, after the Indian God of the Dawn - Aruna.
The full name is Phraprang Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawora Mahawi.
It is visible from many parts of central Bangkok with its outline and prangs dominating the East bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Arun has a historical past - being built in the days of Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
It is decorated with thousands of small pieces of porcelain and other earthenware fragments, which reputedly came from Chinese Merchant Ships which used the fragments as ballast in the hull of their ships. Quite unique by way of decoration.
The main Buddha image was probably designed by King Rama II. Two superb mythical Guardian Giants stand sentry.
The name "Wat Arun" derives from the Indian God of Dawn - Aruna. Thus, Wat Arun is also known as the Temple of the Dawn.
This name is not to be confused with the fact that on a good evening, the temple can be seen set against spectacular sunsets skies - with the sun directly behind the Temple at the right time - and place.
New robes are presented to the monks each year, after HM The King - or the King's Representative travels to Wat Arun by Royal Barge Procession.
This event usually takes place at the end of the Lent Period for monks (3 months) in a ceremony known as Tod Kathin.
The highlight for tourists and visitors who have a good "head for heights", and not too much of a nervous disposition, will be to climb up the very steep steps of the central prang, where commanding views of the Chao Phraya River, and 'new' Bangkok can be viewed.
A good view of Wat Arun can be had from the opposite side of the river at sunset. At certain times of the year, the setting sun can be seen directly behind this monumental landmark.
- Open daily: 08.00 - 18.00
- Bus routes 19, 57, 83
- Entrance fee: One hundred (100) baht
- Telephone: 028-912-185
Wat Arun: Seen from Chao Phraya River
Wat Arun is actually a 'representation' of the centre of the world in Buddhist cosmology - Mount Meru. In Tibetan Buddhist mythology, this is a place that represents the centre of the universe.
These steep steps are not for the faint-hearted, but well worth the climb - and descent afterwards! The central Prang in Wat Arun reaches to a height of sixty seven (67) metres (220 feet) and is the tallest of any of the temples in Bangkok and Thailand.
Intricate mosaic work with hundreds of thousands of individual pieces of porcelain and china fragments. Wat Arun seems to be unique with this style of ornamentation - Khmer style.
The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II. Four walls are fronted with a spectacular line-up of Buddha images, with hand painted murals on the walls behind.
Related Information and Help Guides
- City Pillar Shrine Bangkok: It is customary if you want to have a good life in the city, to worship at the City Pillar Shrine, and give offerings.
- Wat Phra Kaew: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Royal Palace are the number one attraction insofar as the "Wats" are concerned.
- Wat Pho Temple and Massage School: As well as being a major Buddhist Temple, Wat Pho has a school dedicated to teaching the proper Thai Massage - a cultural heritage.
- Wat Suthat: Different in that there is a giant swing to be seen - with a nice story line.