Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn

Wat Arun is one of the best known landmarks in Bangkok.  Thailand has over 31,200 temples.  In Thai, the word for temple is "wat."  Therefore, Wat Arun means Temple of the Dawn. It stands on the west bank of the Chao Praya River, opposite downtown Bangkok.  The central main tower is 250 feet high and has a set of steep narrow steps which lead to a balcony close to the top of the tower.  The balcony provides a unique view of Bangkok which makes it a worthwhile journey to the top.

The towering central temple spire of Wat Arun with its four smaller spires was started by King Rama II in the early part of the 19^th century, and completed by his successor King Rama III.  The temple in which the spire sits is actually much older. It dates from the Ayuthaya period. During King Taksin's reign, just before the founding of Bangkok, Wat Arun served as part of his palace.

The design of the central spire of Wat Arun is a combination of Khmer and Thai architecture. The brick core is covered with a layer of plaster which has been decorated with bits of Chinese porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles. The porcelain, which came from China, isn't as extravagant as it might sound.  In the early days of Bangkok, Chinese trading ships calling on the Siamese capital used tons of porcelain as ballast. The temple is just an early example of the Thai approach to "recycling."

Wat Arun is most easily reached by riverboat and is a common stop on most tours of the Chao Praya river.  Admission is 30 baht for foreign tourists.

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