Thailand is a beautiful land that dotted with numerous temples. Each of the temple has its own uniqueness that one can actually spend a few hours in each temple to admire every detail of the facades and interior of the building, as well as its amazing workmanship. I didn’t have the time to visit every temple in Thailand so I chose a world famous landmark and one of the most photographed places in Thailand, Wat Arun, or better known as the Temple of the Dawn.

Formerly known as “Wat Chaeng”, this temple has existed for many years since the days when Ayutthaya was the capital city of Thailand. The 70-metre high pagoda or “Phra Prang” located on the east bank of Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok’s best known landmarks.

This is the best spot to take the portrait with Wat Arun. Dress: newly bought from Forever 21 in Bangkok

The best views and photos of Wat Arun are in the evening with the sun setting behind it. I have seen so many fantastic photos and psotcards of Wat Arun sitting majestically under fire-like sky. It’s absolutely stunning at sunset, particularly when lit up at night. So sunset shots are definitely not to be missed when visiting Wat Arun.

After checking online to confirm unset is around 6pm – 7pm all year round in Bangkok, I planned my trip to Wat Arun at around 4pm, took about one hour plus to visit the place and headed to the restaurants on the opposite side of the river that provide best spot to watch the sun setting directly behind the temple. I thought it was a perfect plan until the sky turned dark and was padded with heavy clouds. So no fire-like sky, no sunset, no good photos, no sitting at the restaurant

Nonetheless, my journey to Wat Arun remains fruitful and memorable.

A tourist couple dressed up in Thai traditional costumes for photography

Since I reached Wat Arun pretty late, at around 4:30 p.m. during week day, there were very little tourists. It was a great time for unblocked view of photography.

The temple is decorated with intricate mosaic patterns which are constructed of multi-colored Chinese porcelain. Like the bell shaped chedi, the central Prang represents Mount Meru, home of the gods. The outer four corners of the temple consist of smaller Prangs, which hold statues of Phra Pai (God of the wind).

In the middle of each side of the square formed by the smaller prangs are pavilions containing Buddha images depicting the four stages of the Buddha’s life, birth, meditation, preaching and enlightenment. These guard the stairways to the second and third levels of the big prang.

The prang is not only unique in its design, which is a blend of Khmer and Thai styles, but also in decoration.Over the brick core, a layer of plaster was applied and then decorated with bits of Chinese porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles.

The 70-metre high pagoda or “Phra Prang” – Central Prang

I was hesitating for quite some time to garner my courage to climb up the prang. Not only is the stairway steep, as steep as 35 degrees, I guess, the steps are narrow and tall! Well, climbing up wasn’t an issue, but climbing down need a bit of courage.

Look! The visitors need to actually hold on tight to the handrail to slowly climb down the stairs.

Look again! Anyway, I did climb up finally as I was so desperately to snap some good shots from the summit of the prang. It was also quite interesting to look at each climber’s expression when they finally made it up to the top. They were like “phew… finally”, which made me feel that I wasn’t alone.

Unblocked nice view of Chao Phraya river from the stupa. Saw the small boat was dragging several big boats?

I spent about 30 minutes on the summit of the prang to enjoy beautiful views of river. It was so quiet and peaceful up there.

A piece of long yellow clothe was wrapped against the wall with many words or wishes left by the visitors. A monk was writing his as well.

I made it up here. Shelyn 到此一游. Don is not here! – yeah… I visited here alone

These two are China style statues.

Demons “holding up” the prang

Getting There

1. Take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin, then walk for 5 minutes to get to Central Sathorn pier. Central pier is just right next to the Saphan Taksin station.

2. Take Chao Phraya Express Boat (costs only 14 Baht) to the Tha Thien pier, then transfer to the cross-river ferry, which costs only 4 Baht (0.13 USD).

Skytrain routes map - http://bangkok.sawadee.com/skytrain.htm

Chao Phraya Express Boat info - http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com

Opening Hours: 08.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m. (daily)

Admission: 50 Baht for sightseeing the stupa

Enjoy more photos of Wat Arun