Wat Arun, Bangkok

Wat Arun: Gazing at the Porcelain Splendor of Bangkok's Temple of DawnGaze upon the magnificent Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of Bangkok’s most recognizable and visually stunning landmarks, rising majestically on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River! Unlike the glittering gold of other temples, Wat Arun is famed for its unique prang (Khmer-style tower), which is encrusted with millions of pieces of colorful porcelain and seashells.We’ll guide you through this iconic structure, where the absolute must-see feature is the chance to get up close to the central 70-meter-high prang, marveling at the intricate floral and geometrical mosaics created from the broken porcelain. For a fascinating hidden gem, notice the numerous sculptures of demons (Yaksha) and monkeys that guard the base of the central tower, adding to its mythical grandeur.Wat Arun is central to the Bangkok skyline, looking its most spectacular at sunrise or, more popularly, at sunset, when the light catches the porcelain, making the tower shimmer. We’ll offer essential visitor tips, suggesting you take a cross-river ferry from the Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho for the most dramatic arrival, and to view the temple from the opposite side of the river in the evening for the best photographic angle.In this episode, we explore the history, the artistry, and the luminous, unique beauty of Wat Arun.