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Wat Arun
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's best know landmark. It stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thon Buri. Wat Arun is best seen from the opposite bank of the river; it glistens in the sunlight during the day and stands dark and noble at dawn or dusk. A visit to the beautiful, peaceful monastery complex surrounding the familiar towers is very worth-while. These towers, the "Phra Prang," although best known, the only part of Wat Arun. It also contains narrow lanes; elegant, old white buildings; shrines, pools of turtles; and two fine giants, " Yuk Wat Jaeng," mortal enemies of the " Yuk Wat Po" across the river.
The monastery has existed for many years since the days when Ayutthaya was capital of Thailand. It was then named Wat Mokok, situated in a place called Tumbol Bangmakok. The word Bangmakok, meaning " Village of Olive", has since been shortened to " Makok".
When King Taksin and his army reached this place to build his new capital Thonburi, after defeating the Burmese who had sacked Ayutthaya, he arrived at dawn. He renamed the monastery he found there Wat Jaeng- Jaeng meaning "clear", "bright" and "dawning".
Construction of the tall prang and four smaller ones was started by King Rama II (1809-1824) and completed by King Rama III (1824-1851). The towers are supported by rows of demos and monkeys. Very steep and narrow steps lead to a balcony high on the central tower. The circumference of the base of the structure is 234 meters, and the central prang is 250 foot high.
The central balcony commands an impressive view of Bangkok across the river. From here one can see the Grand palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the spacious Wat Po.
The towers of Wat Arun are built of brick covered with stucco. The decorations are unique; thousands of pieces of multicolored Chinese porcelain. In niches in the central tower are green figures of the God Indra seated on Erawan, the traditional Thai three-headed elephant. Niches in the smaller towers contain figures of the Moon God, on a white horse. The trident of Shiva extends from the top of each tower.
Wat Arun figures in one of Thailand's most colorful festival, the Royal Tod Kathin. Then His Majesty the King travels down the river in a procession of Royal barges to present new robes to the monks after their three-month lent period.
last updated 2017-07-27 00:45:02 view 96476
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Attractions&Hotels near Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Hotels near Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
sala rattanakosin Bangkok Check the Room/Price/Book0.41 km | Map | Direction
Arun Residence Check the Room/Price/Book0.44 km | Map | Direction
Inn A Day0.44 km | Map | Direction
OB-ARUN House (Room No.1) Check the Room/Price/Book0.45 km | Map | Direction
Sala Arun Check the Room/Price/Book0.45 km | Map | Direction
Pho Hostel Check the Room/Price/Book0.50 km | Map | Direction
Riva Arun Bangkok Check the Room/Price/Book0.52 km | Map | Direction
The Royal ThaTien Village Check the Room/Price/Book0.53 km | Map | Direction
Aurum The River Place Check the Room/Price/Book0.56 km | Map | Direction
Arom d Hostel Check the Room/Price/Book0.57 km | Map | Direction
Chetuphon Gate Check the Room/Price/Book0.57 km | Map | Direction
Chakrabongse Villas Check the Room/Price/Book0.72 km | Map | Direction
BaanKhunLuang Homestay Check the Room/Price/Book0.97 km | Map | Direction
Issara House Bangkok Check the Room/Price/Book0.99 km | Map | Direction
Bannkhunlaung Homestay Check the Room/Price/Book1.00 km | Map | Direction
Baan Khun Nine Wangdoem Hotel Check the Room/Price/Book1.02 km | Map | Direction
Sri Arun Resident Check the Room/Price/Book1.04 km | Map | Direction
Canal House Bangkok boutique hotel Check the Room/Price/Book1.09 km | Map | Direction
Arun Old Town Check the Room/Price/Book1.09 km | Map | Direction
The Onion Hostel Check the Room/Price/Book1.24 km | Map | Direction
Matchanu River Hostel Bangkok Check the Room/Price/Book1.37 km | Map | Direction
Yodsiam Hostel Bangkok1.43 km | Map | Direction
Bangkok Bed and Bike Check the Room/Price/Book1.62 km | Map | Direction
The Grand Palace Hostel Check the Room/Price/Book1.70 km | Map | Direction
The Asadang B & B Check the Room/Price/Book1.76 km | Map | Direction
Attractions near Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)0.00 km | Map | Direction
Wat Kalayanamit Woramaha Wihan0.80 km | Map | Direction
Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon) Bangkok0.86 km | Map | Direction
Museum Siam0.90 km | Map | Direction
Grand Palace1.19 km | Map | Direction
Saranrom Park1.37 km | Map | Direction
Yodpiman Flower Market, Pak Khlong Talad1.49 km | Map | Direction
Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo)1.52 km | Map | Direction
Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram1.55 km | Map | Direction
Statue of King Rama I1.67 km | Map | Direction
Wat Rakang Kositaram Woramahavihan1.68 km | Map | Direction
Old Big Gun Museum1.72 km | Map | Direction
Wat Ratchabopit Sathit Mahasimaram1.75 km | Map | Direction
Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawihan1.77 km | Map | Direction
Bangkok City Pillar Shrine1.86 km | Map | Direction
Chao Phraya sky garden (park on the bridge)1.86 km | Map | Direction
Thawornwatthu Building1.94 km | Map | Direction
Wat Mahathat Yuwarat Rang Sarit Ratchaworamahawihan2.04 km | Map | Direction
Sanam Luang2.16 km | Map | Direction
Princess Mother Memorial Park2.22 km | Map | Direction
Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Ratchaworamahawihan2.40 km | Map | Direction
Xuantianshangdi Temple2.42 km | Map | Direction
Bangkok National Museum2.53 km | Map | Direction
Rommaninat Park2.56 km | Map | Direction
The Giant Swing2.57 km | Map | Direction
*note the distance is just a straight line not an accurate transition on the road
