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Wat Arun

Giant Tower, Symbol of Thailand

Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Wat Arun is named after the Thai national hero, Taksin the Great. The temple houses a 79-meter pagoda surrounded by small pagodas and porches, all of which are decorated with colored porcelain tiles. The image of the pagoda is iconic in Thailand.

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is located at The West Bank of Chao Phraya River, Bangkok. In 1767, Taksin the Great led the Thai army to expel the Burmese invaders from the country and established the new capital in the Thonburi area of Bangkok, and is considered a national hero by the Thais. The Wat Arun was named for him, and Taksin‘s palace during the time happened to be built right next door to Wat Arun.

Wat Arun has a 79-meter Tall Main Pagoda, which is surrounded by four smaller pagodas and four porches. The main pagoda symbolizes Mount Sumeru, the supreme sacred mountain of Buddhism and Hinduism, while the small pagodas around it represent the Four Continents that surround Mount Sumeru.

Manywhere Trivia:
According to Buddhist cosmology, Mount Sumeru is at the center of the universe.

Ceramic tiles plastered all over the tower

The exterior walls of the large and small pagodas and porches are covered with Colorful Ceramic Tiles and rows of statues of gods and spirits from mythology to hold up the heavy pagodas. The image of the Wat Arun complex has been so popular for some time that it is not only used as a symbol for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, but also appears on the back of a 10 baht coin.

Manywhere Trivia:
How many porcelain tiles were used in so many towers? There are said to be a million pieces.

There was a time when Thailand’s national treasure, the Emerald Buddha, was kept in the Wat Arun. Until the construction of the The Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace of Bangkok was completed.

There are also Ordination Hall and other buildings at the foot of the pagoda of the Temple Wat Arun, so don’t forget to pay a visit after witnessing the iconic great Pagoda.