The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun is named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna. The temple dates back to Ayutthaya period (1782 - 1809 A.D.) The temple was enlarged by King Rama II and King Rama III. The renovation completed in the reign of King Rama IV. The Emerald Buddha was enshrined in this temple for a brief period before KIng Rama I built the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo on the Bangkok side.

It consists of a massive elongated prang (Khmer-style tower), and is surrounded by four smaller prangs . The prang is 79m high. It is decorated by bits of porcelain which sparkles in the sun. Despite its name, the temple offers best photographic opportunities in the late afternoon with the sun setting in the red sky behind the temple.

The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier near Wat Pho.

Open : Daily from 7.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Admission : 20 baht