Wat Arun in Bangkok

Temple of Dawn

Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was besieged by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. 

He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During his reign (Thonburi Period), Wat Chaeng was the chief temple, and it once enshrined the Emerald Buddha and another important Buddha image, the Phra Bang, both of which had been removed from Vientiane.


Wat Arun

The temple has flourished throughout the Rattanakosin Period. The beauty of the architecture and the fine craftsmanship declare its status as a temple of the first grade and one of the most outstanding temples in Thailand. The spire (prang) of Wat Arun on the bank of Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. It has an imposing spire over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns. Although it is known as the Temple of the Dawn, it's absolutely stunning at sunset, particularly when lit up at night.

Wat Arun

Opening Hours: 08:00 -17:30
Location: Located on the west side of Chao Praya River (opposite Tha Thien Pier)


 

 

Related Tour

Bangkok Canals Tour

On this morning tour, a long-tailed speedboat whisks you down the Chao Phraya River and canals (khlongs) of Thonburi. You'll drift past mobile shops, 'floating kitchens' and all kinds of colourful river scenery, before stopping at the enchanting Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). Read More...

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10 Must See Temples

There are more than 400 disseminated in Bangkok and everyone rushes to three most famous ones: Wat Pra Kaew, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. But then, what other temples are worth visiting and why? where are they? Read More...

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Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It's one of the largest temple complexes in the city Read More...

 
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The grubby yellow hill crowned with a gleaming gold chedi is also known as the Golden Mount'. It rises within the compound of Wat Saket, housing the holy relics of the Buddha. Read More...

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