0 THAILAND: WAT ARUN, THE TEMPLE OF THE DAWN

The soaring temple of Wat Arun.

You will surely notice this soaring temple of Wat Arun if you are in Chao Phraya river en route to the temples of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. It is situated adjacent to WatPho temple, the oldest and largest temple in the Kingdom of Thailand. 

This temple is consists of five prangs; four on each corner and one in the middle, the center one is the tower which you will climb in almost upright 90 degrees, it’s very narrow and steep. There would be a significant reason why it’s steep; it is said to believe that the Buddhist has to face this challenge upon reaching Nirvana. As per Wikipedia, Nirvana literally means “blown out” or perhaps, it’s like a place of where you can find peace and happiness. Maybe in Christian alike, it is the heaven.

Wat Arun taken from the Chao Phraya River.

In order for you to enter at the main temple, one has to pay 50 THB. And likewise at the Reclining Buddha hall, they also require some dress code but not too strict. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are all covered. Anyway they have scarf for rent just in case.

When you reach inside the temple, don’t be surprised with the architecture. You will certainly be fascinated by the decoration and the design. The middle tower and four small prangs are covered with some colorful porcelain and seashells. While also stepping into the stairs, you will also witness different figures that serve as the guardians of the temple.

Now the question why it is being referred as the “Temple of the Dawn”, simply because by the height of about 219ft or like 20 storey building, the first light of the sun rising from the east shall reflects off the temple in vibrant pigments.

That's why whenever you have plans to visit Thailand, make sure to include this landmark on your itinerary. When you get to reach on top, you will surely feel the sense of fulfillment, the feeling of being cleansed it's like all the sufferings had gone. Furthermore you will also have the chance to see the beautiful skyline of Bangkok and the temples around Chao Phraya River.

It's fairly easy to get to Wat Arun temple. Take BTS Sky Train then alight at Saphan Taksin station, walk towards the Sathorn pier then ride either express boat (15 THB orange flag) tourist boat (40 THB). Disembark at Pier Tha Thien (N8) and then catch the ferry to cross the river going to the temple for 3 THB.

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