Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn
Almost opposite Wat Pho on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s best-known landmarks. Though it’s often referred to as the Temple of Dawn, the classic view of it is at sunset from the east bank of the river, when the central prang towers above the skyline.
Built in Khmer style, the five prangs are encrusted with shards of porcelain that are shaped into flower patterns. The temple once housed the Emerald Buddha, which now resides in Wat Phra Kaew, and the temple compound also boasts fearsome demons and kinnari (half bird, half human figures), giving the place an other-worldly feel. There are some beautiful murals in the bot (ordination hall) depicting the life of Buddha.
On the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
8am-6pm.
Entry B50
Transport River ferry from Tha Tien.
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