Wat Arun in Bangkok

Wat Arun Bangkok

Wat Arun (or the Temple of Dawn) is probably one of the most recognisable temples in Bangkok, not least because the image of the temple has been published so often. The temple comprises a central tower (of Khmer architectural design) surrounded by four smaller towers. The central tower is around 80 metres high and as night falls Wat Arun cuts a distinctive silhouette against the Bangkok skyline. Wat Arun’s striking design is probably its chief feature. Given this, compared to other temples, Wat Arun may not warrant a special visit if you are in Bangkok for a short time. The Wat is though historically important. It originally housed the Emerald Buddha after its return to Thailand and it features murals and a Buddha image designed by King Rama II. You can walk up steps which take you part way up the main tower and provide an excellent view of the city. The temple is situated on the Thonburi side of the Chapaya River and probably represents the main tourist attraction in that area. Details: Admission is 20 Baht and you will have to catch a ferry across the river to get to Wat Arun. Opening hours are 8.30 to 17.30. Probably the easiest way to get to Wat Arun is by Express Boat. Take a boat to Tha Tien pier and then take a ferry across the river. Getting to the Wat by taxi is a bit tricky, but if you must take a taxi, ask for ‘Wat Arun’. The following buses will get you there: Bus numbers: 1, 25, 44, 47, 62, 44, 47 and 91 Air-conditioned bus numbers: 7, 73 Contact:Tel: 0-2222-8181, 0-2222-6889, 0-2222-2208 Rama I and Rama II were responsible for the size of the current temple: the main prang is 79 m (260 ft) hight and the circumfrerence of its base is 234 m (768 ft). In the 19 th century King Mongkut (Rama IV) added the ornamentation created with broken pedces of porcelain. Ther monument's style, deriving mainly from Khmer architecture, is unique in Thailand.