*This review is part of our Bangkok 2012 Travel.
Wat Arun also known to be "Temple of the Dawn" which is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok city. It located just next to Chao Phraya River but you not able to reach directly from Chao Phraya Express Boat instead you have to stop at Pier N8 and take boat to cross the river which cost $3 only. Instead of visiting all temple around Chao Phraya River I only choose Wat Arun because I visited it once and I still remember the steep staircase.
How to go Wat Arun?
You have to take Chao Pharaya Boat and stop at Pier N8 Tha Tien get down from the boat and pay $3 to take another boat cross the river to Wat Arun Pier.
From Pier N8 Tha Tien you can see opposite river got one big temple and that is Wat Arun.
The boat to Wat Arun is only stop at one place and it took only few minute, get down at the Wat Arun Pier and walk your way to Wat Arun which just 1 minute away.
Immediately you can see Wat Arun right infront of you.
We walk to Phra Ubosot (ordination hall) before heading to Wat Arun, right in front of the entrance are two big statue which name Yaksha Guardian.
Walk through the small door into Phra Ubosot.
Phra Ubosot is a huge building with big pillar and furnish with white and gold color.
Inside the Phra Ubosot.
The whole building is surrounded by this small statue.
Phra Ubosot building is well taken care which still look like newly build building with nice decoration and stunning look.
Wat Arun consist of 5 building or they call it as Prang, the central Prang is surrounded by 4 smaller Prang and the central Prang has height of 86meter. The building design has the influence of Buddhism and Indian believe.
Wat Arun is famous for it history and also the narrow and steep steps lead to the top of building, it is pretty dangerous and must be extra careful stepping up your way toward the top, holding the handrail and walk slowly up the step.
Top view from Wat Arun toward Chao Phraya River.
Close look at Wat Arun, perfectly engrave with very complex decoration.
Walking down the staircase is another challenge and it indeed bigger challenge compare to climbing up, the best way to go down is to face the staircase and go down slowly.
Wat Arun is a must visit tourist attraction, we really enjoy climbing the narrow and steep staircase and enjoying the fabulous view on top of Wat Arun. After tiring walking we walk our way back to Wat Arun Pier and take the boat back to Pier N8 Tha Tien, our next stop is Asiatique