Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At time of research, it had been announced that the
Ъ rahng
would be closed for as
many as three years due to renovation. Visitors can enter the compound, but cannot, as in
previous years, climb the tower.
Buddhist Murals
Also worth a look is the interior of the
bòht
. The main Buddha image is said to have been
designed by Rama II himself, whose ashes are interred beneath. The murals date to the
reign of Rama V. Particularly impressive is one depicting 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.
Exploring the Neighbourhood
Wat Arun is directly across from Wat Pho, on the Thonburi side of the river. A lot of
people visit the wát on long-tail boat tours, but it's easier and more rewarding to just jump
on the 3B cross-river ferry from Tha Tien. For our money, visiting Wat Arun in the late af-
ternoon is best, with the sun shining from the west lighting up the
Ъ rahng
and the river
behind it. If you come earlier, consider taking a stroll away from the river on Th Wang
Doem, a quiet tiled street of wooden shophouses.
Sunset Cocktails
Sunset views of the temple compound can be caught from across the river at the riverfront
warehouses that line Th Maha Rat - although be forewarned that locals may ask for a 20B
'fee'. Other great viewpoints include Roof (
Click here
)
or Amorosa (
Click here
)
, rooftop
bars located directly across from the temple.
