Named after the Hindu god Aruna, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is among Thailand's most well known landmarks and it is one of my most favorite temples. The temple is shown on French maps as early as 1656CE under a different name. Wat Arun enshrined the Emerald Buddha before being moved to its current location in 1785CE at Wat Phra Kaew within the grounds of the Grand Palace. (more on that Buddha image at another time.)
Work on the pagoda commenced during the reign of King Rama III (1824-51). Wat Arun underwent major renovations during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), in 1980 and again from 2013 to 2017. I saw the temple before and after its most recent renovation, which was a substantial accomplishment.
Wat Arun is popular with school groups.
Wat Arun has traditional Thai dress for rent. The These people traveled from Vietnam.
Wat Arun is spectacular at night too.
