Wat Arun, Bangkok

Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, is a magnificent and iconic structure that graces the skyline of Bangkok, Thailand. This Buddhist temple, situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is one of the most stunning landmarks in the city. Its distinctive design and riverside location make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

The temple's central feature is its towering prang (Khmer-style tower), which soars 70 meters into the sky, adorned with colorful porcelain and seashells. The prang is surrounded by smaller towers, all intricately decorated, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology.

Wat Arun dates back to the 17th century, but it reached its current form during the reign of King Rama II in the early 19th century. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, personified as the radiations of the rising sun, and it is famed for the stunning reflection it casts on the water at dawn.

Visitors can climb steep stairs on the central prang to reach a terrace providing breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding area. The temple's architecture and the fine craftsmanship of its decorations are a testament to the creativity and religious devotion of the Thai people.

Wat Arun is not only a place of deep cultural significance but also an active religious site. It is home to monks and a place for daily worship. The temple's grounds are filled with statues and pavilions, including a main hall housing a Buddha image said to have been designed by King Rama II himself.