Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Bangkok (must see)

Wat Arun, located in the Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, is a prominent Buddhist temple. It rests on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River in the Thonburi area. This temple takes its name from Aruṇa, a Hindu deity symbolizing the radiant energies of the rising sun. Wat Arun is one of Thailand's most renowned landmarks. Although the temple has a history dating back to at least the 17th century, its distinctive prang (tower-like spire) was constructed in the early 19th century under the reigns of Rama II and Rama III.

The central feature of Wat Arun is its central prang, adorned with vibrant porcelain. It resembles a stupa-like pagoda embellished with colorful faience. Its height is reported differently in various sources, ranging from 66.8 meters (219 feet) to 86 meters (282 feet). Four smaller satellite prang surround its corners, adorned with shells from Mauritia mauritiana and fragments of porcelain.

At the pinnacle of the central prang is a seven-pronged trident often referred to as the "Trident of Shiva." Surrounding the prang's base, you'll find various depictions of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Above the second terrace, there are four statues of the Hindu god Indra mounted on Erawan, his celestial mount.

The central prang is believed to have three significant levels: the base represents Traiphum, signifying all realms of existence; the middle stands for Tavatimsa, the Tusita Heaven where all desires find fulfillment; and the top denotes Devaphum, indicating the six heavens within the seven realms of happiness. Along the riverside, there are six pavilions constructed in the Chinese architectural style. These pavilions are crafted from green granite and feature landing bridges.

Adjacent to the prang stands the Ordination Hall, housing a Niramitr Buddha image, purportedly designed by Rama II. The front entrance of the Ordination Hall boasts a roof adorned with a central spire, decorated with colored ceramics and stuccowork covered in colored china. Inside, you'll find a grand altar adorned with red, grey, and white marble decorations. Two temple guardian figures, representing demons, stand at the entrance. The murals inside were commissioned during the reign of Rama V.

Why You Should Visit:
Lovely, colorful, and less crowded than the other major temples in the area.
Not many Buddhist temples are this white and bright with pieces of different types of ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-colored porcelain decorated on almost every inch.

Tip:
Make sure you are properly dressed so that you won't be required to rent a sarong or be turned away.
Some people will suggest renting a boat to visit the temple. It will cost you a lot, so pass on that! Just cross with the ferry for a mere 4 THB.
The best time to visit would be evening since you can get a glimpse of the temple's structure & details in daylight as well as when lit up artificially after sunset.