Wat Arun, Bangkok

There are two famous temples in Bangkok which are Wat Arun and Wat Pho. In this post, I will bring you to Wat Arun which is also known as the Temple of Dawn. The full name is Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, maybe you just want to remember it as Wat Arun only for sure. Hahaha...

50 baht/pax for the entry fee and for female visitors please take note that you are not allowed to wear shorts or mini skirts in any Thai Temple inclusive this. Do not worry if you have already wear it, you can always rent a sarong from them but you need to pay a deposit of 100 baht. The money will return to you when you exit the temple. Please take note that you will only get your refund from the same place you paid your deposit. You are not allowed to get the refund from another entrance.

Although the temple had existed since at least the seventeenth century, its distinctive prang (spires) were built in the early nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II.

The main feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower) which are encrusted with colourful porcelain. This is interpreted as a stupa-like pagoda incrusted with coloured faience. The height is reported by different sources as between 66.8 m (219 ft) and 86 m (282 ft). The corners are surrounded by four smaller satellite prang. The prang are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. The presiding Buddha image, cast in the reign of Rama II, is said to have been moulded by the king himself. The ashes of King Rama II are interred in the base of the image.

This is a great view over the busy Chao Phraya river. Just opposite this river as you can see with the orange roof is the Wat Pho.

This river is very dirty and stink but the view from here is absolutely splendid indeed.

You can opt for a river tour here but I think it is not worth it when the river is very dirty and smelly.

Alright, time to come down and you can see how steep the staircase is. My advice to you is to go down backward and holding the side handle. It is like you are doing abseiling from a cliff. By doing this way, you will focus your attention on the steps rather than this scary height.

Want to experience the Thai costume? You can always welcome rent their costume for 100 baht. Take as many photographs as you want within 15 mins. This activity is only for ladies.

To get to Wat Pho from here, just use the ferry! There is a ferry service to bring you across the river for just 4 baht per person per trip. It is super cheap. I still remember I need to pay RM1.00 at Gua Niah and also Kuching Waterfront for a river crossing like this.

Wat Arun is an amazing temple which is worth for everyone to visit and does not care what religion you are.

Total Damage: 108 baht
Service: 2/5
Recommended?: Yes
Getting there: Just get a metered taxi and it is so cheap which you won't even bother about it. Trust me!
Opening Hours: 8.00am - 5.30pm (daily)