Wat Arun

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 surrounding spires are devoted to the wind God, Phra Phai. The giant white figurine is Sahassa Deja and the giant green figurine is Thotsakan. The Giants (yaksha) face in four directions to offer protection. The central spire is topped with a seven pronged trident, known as "Trident of Shiva". At the second terrace there are four statues of the Hindu God Indra riding on Erawan, (a colossal elephant with three heads). Around the base of the spire are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers.

In Buddhist iconography, (study of pictures) the central spire is considered to have three symbolic levels. The base represents Traiphum indicating every realm of existence. The middle signifies Tavatimsa, the Tusita Heaven, where all desires are gratified, and the top denotes Devaphum indicating six heavens within seven realms of happiness.

The spires are decorated by shells of tropical sea snails and pieces of porcelain, which were previously used as ballast by trading Chinese