Standing on the West bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most visible and photographed landmarks.
Wat Arun consists of one large Kmer style tower, called a Prang, and four smaller prangs. Construction of the Wat began under King Rama II and was completed under King Rama III. The main prang is 250 feet tall and over 760 feet in circumference at it’s base surrounded by rows of demons and monkeys.
The narrow and steep staircase leads to a balcony high up on the central prang. It is possible to go up the stairs to a certain point and the views from here are stunning. Across the river you can see the Grand Palace as well as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Po.
The exterior of the prangs are inlaid with thousands of pieces of multi-colored Chinese porcelain that at one time was used as ballast on boats coming to Thailand from China. Early in it’s life Wat Arun housed the great Emerald Buddha before it was moved to nearby Wat Phra Kaew. The prangs of Wat Arun are probably it’s best known feature but once inside the grounds you’ll see beautiful old shrines, gardens and pools with turtles.
The Wat and it’s grounds are remarkable but I think it’s true beauty is seen from a distance. Some of the most beautiful pictures taken of Wat Arun are usually from across the river or from a river boat at sunset.
Once a year Wat Arun becomes a central figure in The Royal Tod Kathin Festival. The highlight of this festival is when the King and a procession of royal barges makes it’s way down river to deliver new robes to the monks after the three month period of lent has ended.
Unfortunately for me my camera had problems the day I saw Wat Arun so I got very few good pictures. Next trip I plan on going back to Wat Arun to get more pics for the Gallery.
Wat Arun Gallery
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im happy to read in your blog that everything is ok in bangkok despite the political crisis. cant wait for my trip in november.
travelphilippiness last blog post..Travel News: Cebu Pacific flies Manila-Osaka
I’m definitely happy when I go around the city of smiles and can elp to keep coming back
hope the current political issue would be finished
mvcs last blog post..next stop?
I love wat arun…it gives you great views of the city!
Nomadic Matts last blog post..The Weekly Photo: Dalat Vietnam
great temple…
i like to know all ancient cultures….
torashams last blog post..Marine "Paradise" Park
i went to thailand last feb and i really enjoyed my trip there.. i just hope i got to visit the temple of dawn
sahs last blog post..The World in Crisis: Will the economic bubble affect bloggers?
I love to travel to Thailand. But now with all this political situation, and the uncertainties over at the Southern.. I have stopped going there. O, I missed so much Thailand.. a land full of colours, culture and food..
kbguys last blog post..Taking Photos Of Orchids
You really don’t have anything to worry about. I definitely would stay away from the south but the political rumblings shouldn’t interfere with a good vacation.
Hi,just a note. I visit your blog often and just want you to know how much I enjoy reading it. You share a lot of information and have marvelous pictures. I love learning about different countries and their culture. Thanks for all the sharing.
Mommyandme,
Thank you for the kind words and for visiting. It really makes my day when I read a comment like yours.
Talen
i have been dropping by ur blog but this is the first time i’m leaving a comment. we stayed in Thailand for more than 10 years but i think haven’t visited wat arun (or maybe did, i can’t remember lol). kids always like to go to beach or water parks.
cookietravelss last blog post..A Peek Inside the Las Vegas of Malaysia
wat arun is a great n nice place …….i havent go before but my told me is a good temple
[...] originally wrote a little about the history of Wat Arun in Bangkok’s Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun and added what few picks I had been able to salvage. So this time around I thought I would share a [...]