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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.
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.
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. 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.
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Recommended nearby hotels:
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Chakrabongse Villa
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Situated by the Chaophraya River behind Wat Prakaew. We are a traditional-style apartment with modern facilities set on the river front with a view of the Temple of the Dawn. The luxury suite has a large double bedroom with cable TV, kitchen, bathroom, study, sitting room and private veranda.
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Comment#
1
at:
2008-09-17 13:31:36
Comment by:
Thai Tour
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 Pha Prang
This is the most important monument in the temple. King Rama II considered that the original prang which was 16 meters in height should be reconstructed as the glory of the city, but he passed away shortly after the beginning the task. King Rama III completed the structure and crowned it with a multi-pronged bronze pinnacle. He died before the edifice could be dedicated.
This task was performed by Rama IV. It is 81 meters high and is surrounded by smaller prangs and mondops on each side and in between. The Phra Buddha Prang, as the great central tower is called, has three circumambulatory galleries running around it, which can be reached by climbing any one of the four very steep staircases. Above each staircase there is a niche with a figure of Indra on his three-headed elephant Erawan.
The crown on the summit was origonally made to be given to the presiding Buddha image at Wat Nang Nong. When the nine pronged finial was to be raised, King Rama III ordered the crown to be placed above it. It was rumoured then that this action of his was a sign indication to the people the " Prince Mongkut" ( meaning " Crown") was to succeed him. Prince Mongkut did indeed become Rma IV. Four small prangs surround the main one in the centre. Statues of Phra Phai, the wind-god on his white horse are placed in each niche on these. Statues of giants and monkeys support the Mondop and the five Prangs as Caryatides. Kinnaras and Kinnaris are set in relief in niches all the way round of the first gallery.
On the ground around the prangs there are Chinese scultures both in the forms of human beings and animals. In the eartern wall there are three gates and two along the western wall. On the top of these five gates the royal emblems of each king from King Rama I to King Rama V are to be seen. On the forth base of circumambulation are four replicas of the prang at each of the corners. e all decorated with pieces of broken porcelain of varieties of colours. Some are in Thai-style flame patterns while others are in the form of flowers. Bencharong ware is also used to decorate the surface of the prang. This type of decoration on the surface of architecture has been popular since the time of King Rama III.
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Comment#
2
at:
2008-11-23 15:31:27
Comment by:
TT
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 You may catch a ferry from Tha Chang Pier to Wat Arun easily. Tha Chang pier is situated near the Golden Palace.
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Comment#
3
at:
2008-11-23 15:46:22
Comment by:
TT
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 Sorry here is the picture of a ferry. The above is a long-tail boat for the canal tour.
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