Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's iconic landmarks, situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. This temple symbolizes the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of the new capital after Ayutthaya fell. The most striking feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (a Khmer-style tower), which is encrusted with colorful porcelain and stands at approximately 70 meters in height, offering an impressive sight on the Bangkok skyline. Visitors can climb steep stairs to reach the balconies that provide panoramic views of the river and the city. The architecture is a representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. In the temple grounds, there are four smaller prangs that are dedicated to the wind god, Phra Phai. Intricate carvings, statues of mythical creatures, and the beautifully landscaped gardens make Wat Arun a photogenic and culturally significant destination.
