Wat Arun

Welcome to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, arguably the most iconic silhouette on the Bangkok skyline. As you stand here on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, you are looking at a structure that predates the founding of…

The journey to Wat Arun is traditionally made by water, following the example of the former sovereigns who would visit the temple at the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent. As you stepped off the ferry from Pier Ta Tian—a short…

One of the most fascinating aspects of Wat Arun is what lies beneath your feet. Because the temple is located so close to the soft, silty banks of the Chao Phraya, the architects of the 19th century had to develop innovative…

Move closer to the walls of the central Prang and examine the surface. You will notice that it is not painted, but rather covered in an intricate mosaic of multi-colored porcelain, glass, and seashells. …

As you ascend the lower levels, you will encounter a host of mythological figures that appear to support the weight of the heavens. These statues serve as both guardians and symbolic pillars of the cosmic mountain. …

On the terrace below the middle tower, you will find four pavilions, each dedicated to a significant milestone in the life of the Buddha. These are the four stations: his Birth, his Enlightenment, his Initial Knowledge (the first…

For those who are able to climb the steep, narrow stairs to the higher sections, the reward is both visual and symbolic. The central Prang represents the thirty-three heavens of Buddhist cosmology, with the very top signifying…

As we conclude our walk around the towers, we must visit the heart of the active temple complex: the 'Ubosot,' or the main Ordination Hall. This is the primary temple where religious activities and ceremonies occur. …

As our tour of Wat Arun concludes, take one last look at the central Prang as it towers over the Chao Phraya. We have traversed the history of Thonburi, from the fall of Ayutthaya to the grand restorations of the 19th-century…