Thailand

Occupying the right bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's most famous Buddhist monuments. Here's an overview of the attraction.

Some monuments in Bangkok bear the memory of the terrible events that shook the capital at its birth. Among these is Wat Arun, beautifully situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, just across from the historic center. Known for its central prang of 70 meters, Wat Arun is an expression of architectural transition between the pyramidal towers of Hindu inspiration and Buddhist elements with ordination halls and viharas. It also bears witness to a political transition, from the end of the Ayutthaya Kingdom to the rise of Bangkok as a new power under the leadership of the Thonburi and Chakri dynasties. Undoubtedly, a guided tour of Wat Arun will fulfill your desires for history and artistic experience during a brief stay in Bangkok.

Notes from the past

The exact founding date of the temple is not mentioned in historical sources. Strong evidence suggests that an ancient monastery named Wat Makok has existed on the site since the Ayutthaya era, around the mid-17th century. Wat Arun derives its name from Aruna, the Hindu sun god. Hence the appellation "Temple of Dawn," as it is referred to in travel guides.

The temple was built during the golden age of Thonburi, which succeeded the defunct Ayutthaya Kingdom. After the capture of Thonburi, Taksin the Great fulfilled his wish to Buddha to restore his temple if he succeeded in crushing the Burmese. The new construction was named Wat Chaeng. The Emerald Buddha was kept there from 1770 until 1785, when it was moved to the Grand Palace. When Rama I dethroned Taksin by killing him and was crowned king, Wat Arun lost its title of "royal temple" to Wat Pho. Indeed, the founder of the Chakri dynasty decided to build a capital on the eastern bank of the river—the future Bangkok.

This was followed by many years of decline. In the 19th century, the building was completely restored at the request of Rama II. The work continued until the reign of Rama III. The main sanctuary tower dates from this period. Wat Arun owes its current form to recent renovations carried out between 2013 and 2017 under the patronage of the Thai Department of Fine Arts. Cement was replaced by white lime to respect the original architecture of the monastery.

Wat Arun today

Wat Arun is one of the three most visited pagodas in Bangkok, along with the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. What accounts for this attractiveness? On one hand, one will appreciate the superb setting on the banks of the Chao Praya River. On the other hand, it is a real delight to discover Hindu iconography in a place of worship frequented by Buddhists. However, the unique charm of the temple is attributed to its dreamlike architecture, which combines a Khmer-style mountain temple with delicate porcelain and seashell mosaics. For your information, sugarloaf structures are characteristic of primitive Hindu art. The trompe-l'oeil is completely successful, giving the illusion of traveling to Bagan or the Dravidian ruins of Karnataka.

Visiting the Temple of Dawn

Seen from afar from the river, Wat Arun appears as a mountain peak adorned with gold. For Hindus, this tower-sanctuary, or prang, is an architectural allegory of Mount Meru, the abode of the gods and the center of the earth. It measures 70 meters in height with a total perimeter of 234 meters. Four satellite towers surround the central tower on all sides. The unique beauty of the temple calls for a photo opportunity.

Approaching closer, many artistic details will capture the visitor's attention. The seated Buddha Niramitr in lotus position is magnificent. The guardian deities Thotsakan and Sahassa Deja, who watch over the entrance of the main chapel, are even more so. One is a green demon, while the other is a benevolent spirit sculpted in white. Sculptors have depicted other mythical creatures recounted in the epic poem of the Ramayana. You will also observe high-quality mural paintings executed by the painters of Rama V's court.

The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the grandiose architecture of the temple stir your heart while taking you on a journey to another time. The highlight of the visit is to be discovered on the terrace of the main prang, accessible after several steps. The reward is twofold: firstly, the seven-branched trident of Shiva towering over the temple will offer itself to your eyes; and secondly, an unobstructed aerial view of Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and downtown Bangkok.

Regarding visiting hours, the best time is at dawn, when monks parade in the streets to ask for alms. Clad in orange, they humbly extend their steel bowl, where people deposit cash or goods, mostly a portion of rice. This is an opportunity to instill generosity in children. Otherwise, the pagoda is illuminated by light effects at dusk. Near the riverbank, there are friendly cafes and restaurants to indulge in this nocturnal atmosphere.

Practical information

Opening hours

The site is open 7 days a week, but visiting hours are limited between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m..

Admission price

Thai nationals can visit for free, but an entrance fee of 50 baht, equivalent to €1.4, is applied to foreign tourists.

When to visit Wat Arun?

The months from November to February correspond to Bangkok's high tourist season. The weather is pleasant at this time of year, away from unbearable heat and repeated rains.

However, visiting the Temple of Dawn in October has its advantages, despite the showers. Buddhists celebrate the Katchina festival, a day dedicated to acts of charity. You will witness a procession of royal barges along the Chao Phraya. During this festival, the king himself comes to distribute new robes to the monks.

How to get there?

The Temple of Dawn is located in the Bangkok Yai district. It is very easy to spot, as it is just across from Wat Pho, on the other bank of the Chao Phraya River.

To get to Wat Arun, go to Saphan Taksin station. Ferry services take tourists to Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and Wat Arun. Take a boat and get off at Pier No. 8.

Nearby…

Apart from Wat Arun, other tourist sites are worth a visit in the heart of downtown:

• Wat Pho, known for its gigantic Reclining Buddha;
• Wat Phra Kaeo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha;
• Wat Suthat;
• The National Museum of Siam.