WAT ARUN

Locally called Wat Chaeng, Wat Arun or the Temple of the Dawn, Bangkok, is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. It used to be called Wat Makok in the Thonburi Period. When the King of Thonburi had the capital moved from Krung Si Ayutthaya to Krung Thonburi, he also brought the Emerald Buddha from Vientiane to enshrine in Wat Arun, before it was later transferred to Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). In the Rattanakosin Period, Wat Arun was restored and renamed Wat Arun Ratchatharam by King Rama II. Another restoration finished in the reign of King Rama IV and the temple’s name was changed again to Wat Arun Ratchawararam.

As one important temple in Thailand history, there are many unique attractions in Wat Arun in Bangkok especially the central prang, a stupa-like pagoda encrusted with colorful glazed porcelain tiles and seashells, Giant statues, the Ordination Hall, the Bell Tower, and many Buddha statues.