Wat Arun

Wat Arun

The name Wat Arun originates from Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, and it is also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Chaofa, or Wat Chaophraya. Located in Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok, Thailand, it stands on the west bank of the "River of Kings," the Chao Phraya River. Built in the 19th century to commemorate King Taksin, it is one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks.

Wat Arun is home to the largest prang-style stupa in Thailand, earning it the nickname “the Eiffel Tower of Thailand.” It represents the greatest achievement and most splendid cultural heritage of the late Ayutthaya period under King Mongkut, making Wat Arun the oldest structure along the Chao Phraya River today. The main prang stands 82 meters tall and symbolizes Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Buddhist cosmology. This central stupa is a renowned architectural masterpiece, featured on the reverse side of the Thai 10-baht coin. Its base and body are square in shape, featuring many tiers that gradually decrease in size. Surrounding the main prang are four smaller satellite stupas, each uniquely colored, grand and ornate, yet several times shorter than the central tower. The main prang currently houses a statue and relics of King Taksin, and the shrine features traditional Chinese lanterns.

Wat Arun is a famous temple in Thailand and one of the royal temples. The annual Royal Totsakatin Festival held in December is the temple’s biggest celebration and one of the most significant ceremonies of the Thai monarchy.

Wat Arun

Must-visit reason: Thailand’s only Eiffel Tower

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Thailand[Thailand]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Bangkok Metropolis [Bangkok Metropolis]

City where the attraction is located: Bangkok [Bangkok]