Wat Arun

Eternal star of the right bank of the Chao Phraya, Wat Arun is this grand religious complex, dominated by 5 towers, located just in front of you. When the country experienced the fall of its former capital Ayutthaya to Burmese forces in the 17th century, Wat Arun was built at the same time on the site of an ancient temple. In addition to losing its role as residence of the Emerald Buddha to the Royal Palace in 1785, this place of worship ceased to be a royal temple once King Rama I established the foundations of Bangkok on the left bank of the river. Left aside and poorly maintained, Wat Arun would nevertheless return to prominence thanks to Kings Rama II and Rama III, who restored it to a worthy state. Even today, the temple’s unique charm emanates from its sublime architecture. Around the central 82-meter prang, covered with fragments of porcelain, mosaic, and seashells, orbit 4 others, though smaller in size. Although its name “temple of dawn” was given in homage to Aruna, the Indian goddess of dawn, Wat Arun offers one of the most striking spectacles at sunset. In summary, you are well-served with one of Bangkok’s most emblematic and photogenic temples.