Temple of the Dawn / Wat Arun

Taking its name from the Hindu god of the Dawn, Aruna, Wat Arun or Wat Arunratchawararam sits on the west bank of the Chao Phrya river.

A Khmer-styled Buddhist temple, King Rama II started construction of Wat Arun in the early part of the 19th century, when Ayutthaya was capital of Thailand. The work was finished by King Rama III, and King Rama IV gave the temple its current full name of Wat Arunratchawararam.

Contrary to its name, The Temple of the Dawn, is best seen  at sunset, across the river there are many restaurants, bars and cafes were beautiful views of the Temple can be seen.

A fitting way of getting there is the Chao Phraya River Express to the Tha Thien pier then transfer to the cross-river ferry, which costs 4 Baht.