Ever stop to look at the temple on the back of a 10 Baht coin? If you take a look at Thai coins, you’ll notice the ‘tail’ sides are images of famous temples. On the 10 Baht coin you will see the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun.

Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawiharn, the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s well-known landmarks that stand on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period. During that period, the temple was called Wat Makok (meaning ‘olive’) because of its location in Bangmakok district. Construction of the tall ‘Prang’ and four smaller ones was started by King Rama 2 (1809-1824), and completed by King Rama 3 (1824-1851).

The central pagoda, ‘Phra Prang’, is the most attractive aspect of the temple. It measures 79-meters in length and has a circumference of 234 meters. The towers of Wat Arun are built of brick covered with stucco. The decorations consist of encrusted pieces of multicolored Chinese porcelain. Notice the different sculptures and figures on each tower. The central balcony commands an impressive view of Bangkok across the river. From here, you can see the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

Although the pagoda is the most attractive aspect, the temple also has other sights to see such as the Buddha images, shrines, and giants. Wat Arun’s giants, Yuk Wat Jaeng, are mortal enemies ofYuk Wat Pho that are located inside Wat Pho on the other side of the river.  Wat Arun is also the location for one of Thailand’s most colorful festival, the ‘Royal Tod Kathin’. During this event, H.M. the King travels down the river in a procession of royal barges to present the monks of the temple with new robes after their three-month lent period.

The temple is located along the river so access is fairly easy via boat. Once on the temple grounds and up-close to this centuries-old pagoda, you will surely be impressed by its architecture. Climb up to the highest level of the pagoda and enjoy beautiful views of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River and its attractions. The stairs are steep so watch out on your way down.

Address : 34, Arun Amarin Rd., Wat Arun Sub-district, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok

GPS : 13.744633, 100.489167

Contact : 02 466 3167, 02 465 7740, 02 462 3762

Website : http://www.watarun.org/index.html

Opening Hrs. : Open every day from 07.30 – 17.30

Entrance Fee : Thai: Free, Foreigner: 50 Baht

Best Time : Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun

Highlight : Centuries-old Khmer-style pagoda, Beautiful scenery

Activities : Sight-seeing/ Praying

BOAT
Tha Tian Pier; Get off at this pier then take the ferry to cross over to Wat Arun.

BUS
Number 19, 57, 83

CAR
Turn into Arun Amarin road from Pinklao road and drive towards Siriraj Hospital. Cross Arun Amarin Bridge and drive past the hospital. Continue a bit further, the temple is to your left.

From Wong Wian Yai, drive towards Saphan Phut Bridge. At Baan Kaek intersection, turn left into Arun Amarin road. Continue a bit further, the temple to on your right.