Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn

Located on west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun or ‘Temple of the Dawn’ is one of the most majestic landmarks in Thailand. The striking monument derives its name from the Hindu god ‘Aruna’, often personified as the radiation of the rising sun. In first light, the morning sun reflects off the temple surface with pearly iridescence and in the evening, sits glittering against the skyline.

It is believed that King Taksin arrived at the temple at the break of dawn, after leading the liberation of Siam from Burmese occupation after the second fall of Ayutthaya. He later renovated it and renamed it Wat Chaeng, known mostly to locals. Rama II enlarged the central spire (prang) of Wat Arun, which continued on to its current height of 70 metres in the reign of King Rama V. Decorated with intricate pieces of glass and Chinese porcelain, the spire is open for the public to climb if you’re confident and sure of heights.

Wat Arun is a magical escape for children in the early mornings or evenings. They can feed the fish by the pier and enjoy plenty of food for sale around the monument.