Wat Arun

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Photo by Mark Wiens

Proudly pointing towards the sky on the banks of the Chao Phraya River is Wat Arun, one of the most iconic structures in all of Bangkok.

Also known as The Temple of Dawn or The Temple of the Rising Sun, this majestic Buddhist temple is named in recognition of the Hindu and Buddhist deity that governs the early morning.

As the sun makes its morning appearance over the waters of the river, an impressive shimmering light reflects from the temple like a shining cut diamond and ushers in another day in Bangkok.

From across the river, Wat Arun looks so small, yet its magnitude becomes so much grander when you reach the base.

Since the majority of Bangkok’s central attractions and city life are located on the Eastern side of the river, it’s often necessary to catch a ferry across the river to visit the temple.

Adjacent to Wat Pho, you can easily board a ferry that costs just 3 Thai Baht ($0.10) and drops you off at a dock right at the door step of Wat Arun.

The design of the temple is Khmer style with features that resemble the temples of Angkor Wat.

The main tower rises 70 – 80 meters in height (there really is some confusion and argument as to the real height of the main stupa) and there are four surrounding stupas which together make up the main part of the temple.

Read more on Gobackpacking.

Written by  Mark Wiens.

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