Wat Arun Ratchawaramahawihan

Our final temple visit was to Wat Arun Ratchawaramahawihan, also known as Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn.

Located on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Thailand’s best-known temples.

As we entered the temple grounds, we were struck by the beauty and grandeur of the architecture. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. The first light of the morning reflects off the surface of the temple with pearly iridescence.

The highlight of our visit was seeing the temple's distinctive prang (spire), which was built in the early nineteenth century during the reigns of Rama II and Rama III. The prang is adorned with colorful glazed ceramic tiles and stands over 260 feet (about 80 meters) tall.

In addition to its stunning architecture, Wat Arun is also an important center for religious ceremonies attended by government officials and members of the royal family.Read more