Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
The Spire
The central feature of Wat Arun is the 82m-high Khmer-style
Ъrahng
(spire), constructed
during the first half of the 19th century. From the river it is not apparent that this steeple is
adorned with colourful floral murals made of glazed porcelain, a common temple orna-
mentation in the early Ratanakosin period, when Chinese ships calling at Bangkok used
the stuff as ballast.
The Main Chapel
The
bòht
, or main chapel, contains a Buddha image that is said to have been designed by
Rama II (King Phraphutthaloetla Naphalai; r 1809-24) himself, as well as beautiful mur-
als that depict Prince Siddhartha (the Buddha) encountering examples of birth, old age,
sickness and death outside his palace walls, an experience that led him to abandon the
worldly life.
The Grounds
In addition to the central spire and main chapel, the Wat Arun compound includes two
wí·hăhn
(sanctuaries) and a
hŏ r đrai
(a depository for Buddhist scripture), among others.
Adjacent to the river are six Chinese-style
sa
̆
h·lah
(often spelt as
sala
), open-air pavilions
traditionally meant for relaxing or study, but increasingly used these days as docks for
tourist boats.
Exploring the Neighbourhood
Many people visit Wat Arun on long-tail boat tours, but it's dead easy and more rewarding
to just jump on the 3B cross-river ferry from Tha Tien. Once there, consider taking a stroll
away from the river on Th Wang Doem, a quiet tiled street of wooden shophouses.
Top Tips
›
You must wear appropriate clothing to climb on Wat Arun. If you are flashing too much flesh, you'll have to
rent a sarong for 20B.
