“WAT ARUN IS ONE OF WORLD’S RENOWN ICONIC LANDMARKS. A BUDDHIST TEMPLE HAS EXISTED AT THIS SITE SINCE THE AYUTTHAYA KINGDOM. 1351–1767 AD.”
It’s one of the most spectacular and recognizable Thai landmarks. Idyllically situated amongst picturesque river scenes, capturing the stunning contrast with the surrounding modern cityscape. Wat Arun assertively stands in awe of Bangkok’s skyline well established prior to industrialisation. Visitors journey here in pilgrim like status, due to it’s one of few temples you are permitted to climb its main staircase, rewarding the intrepid with panoramic views of the bustling Chao Phraya river, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho on the opposite bank. King Taksin (1734–82) when establishing the new capital of Thonburi, following the fall of Ayutthaya (previous Thai capital), brought with him from Vientiane, Loas, The Emerald Buddha which was previously housed in one of the two small buildings located in front of the Grand Pagoda.
THE UTMOST SACRED THAI RELIGIOUS ICON, THE EMERALD BUDDHA, AND ENSHRINED IT IN WAT ARUN. IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSFERRED TO THE TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA IN THE GRAND PALACE IN 1785 AD.
Distance from Siriraj Hospital: 1.8 Km.
Entrance fees: 200 THB for foreigners.
