In 2009, we had about a 12-hour layover in Bangkok on our way to Kuala Lumpur from Seattle. 12 hours – that’s enough to visit a couple of places and get some delicious, authentic Thai food in our tummies!
We decided to visit the famous Wat Arun (translates to “Temple of Dawn”), a Buddhist temple on the west banks of Chao Phraya River.
We spent about two hours, admiring the colors and intricate details of the architecture and photographing it!
Wat Arun’s famous structure is the tall spire (aka “Prang”) in the middle of the site (seen in the background of this picture)
Wat Arun’s famous attraction is the tall, finger like spire called Prang
The steps up the Prang are really steep! Climbing up was scary, climbing DOWN was even scarier!
We just couldn’t get enough of photographing the steps! Did we mention they were steep? Obviously, we’d recommend not wearing heels when climbing these steps.
We spent hours admiring the colors and designs of Wat Arun!
Intricate designs on the walls
It’s not just carvings and paint on these walls. Look at what some of the designs are made of!
Another detail of the designs.
On the terraces, there are plenty more beautiful structures to admire and photograph.
The structure overlooks the Chao Phraya river.
The Grand Palace sits across the river.
Temple Guardians of the temple/ordination hall, located next to the Prang.
Guardians on the fence
Don’t forget to visit Wat Arun on your trip to Bangkok!
You can rent a Tuk Tuk to get to Wat Arun. A cab is another option to get there.
Foodie Side Note: After visiting the Wat Arun, we walked around the streets surrounding Chinatown and ate at a stall on the side of the road (the tables and chairs were taking up a parking spot on the street)! Other than the usual famous delicacies of Thailand, you should try oyster omelette when in Bangkok! They are delicious! We found that it was hard to find a dish that was NOT delicious at any stores/stalls in Bangkok.
The oyster omelette we had at a stall on the side of the road in Bangkok’s chinatown was delicious!
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REMEMBER:
- Wat Arun is a great place to visit when in Bangkok.
- Wat Arun is famous for its Wat Arun Festival where His Majesty the King travels down in a procession of Royal barges to present new robes to the monks after their three-month lent period.
- You can get there by tuk tuk or cab.
- We paid an entrance fee of 50 Baht (~USD$1.60).
- Wat Arun is located on the West Bank of Chao Phraya River.
- As always, do be respectful and don’t do anything that disrupts the peaceful atmosphere.
- We didn’t see any strict clothing rule being enforced when we were there but nevertheless, we recommend that you wear appropriate clothing (If wearing tank tops or sleeveless tops, a light scarf or cardigan covering your bare shoulders would be a good option) anytime you’re visiting religious locations.
- Photography Gear: Most of the photos above were taken using a Nikon D40x DSLR (no longer being sold) along with a must have, versatile traveler’s lens, the Nikkor 18-200mm lens. An equivalent DSLR would be the Nikon D3000. We also used an old Canon point & shoot camera (An updated equivalent would be the Canon S95).
Have you visited Wat Arun? Do you have any insider tips future visitors to the area should know?
Do leave a comment, +1, Like, Stumble, Tweet and Share this post! Thank you!
39 Comments
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The photos are so pretty! I loved Wat Arun when I visited!
Elizabeth recently posted..Djemaa el Fina in Marrakesh, Morocco
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Thanks Elizabeth! Glad you like the pictures! The real thing is so much more prettier – pictures dont do it justice!
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{Worldwide} Traditional Foods You Should Try from Around the World
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This is so much like the grand Temples we have here in India. The fine details and the steep steps, they all seem so familiar to me!!
Wonderful captures. A very beautiful place to visit.
Have a fabulous day:)
Arti recently posted..In Honour of Bapu, The Father of The Nation – Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi-
Thank you for the comment! It sure does remind us of the few temples we have visited in India. You are so right!
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{USA} Luxurious Grand Wailea in Maui
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Your photos are stunning! I had no idea those decorative pieces were created with pottery!
Lisa recently posted..Security Checkpoints and Protecting Your Computer-
Thanks Lisa! We’re glad you like the post! we did not know they were covered with pottery/ceramics as well! It was a nice surprise!
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{Thoughts} I got a postcard postmarked North Pole!
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{Thailand} Wat Arun in Bangkok http://t.co/8zKwryni via @idelishTravel
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I loved climbing (and climbing down) Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) while I was in Bangkok. And I was as excited by the detail in the facade as you were. Great pics.
Christopher recently posted..Free Photo Friday-
Thanks Christopher! Glad you like the pics! The climb up and down sure was an adventure wasn’t it! 🙂
Idelish (Jeremy & Shirlene) recently posted..{India} Thiksey Monastery is a “Must Visit” in Leh
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