Wat Arun (pronounced Uh-Roon), meaning the Temple of Dawn (please don’t confuse it with the Temple of Doom from the movie “Indiana Jones”) is quite a spectacular sight from both close-up and afar. Seeing this temple from a distant brings out a feeling of awe mixed with perplexity. I mean here’s this soaring ancient temple from the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767 AD) smack-dabbed right in the Bangkok metropolis, a strange and wonderful combination of the ancient days and modern day Thailand indeed. I’m so glad this temple was so well preserved for the world to enjoy today.
This towering Khmer (Cambodian) styled temple is located on the western bank of the famous Chao Phraya River, right across from Wat Phra Keo and Wat Pho. It’s definitely famous for its height (reportedly about 80+ meters), extremely steep steps, and distinctive Khmer architecture. From up-closed, you’ll have to tilt your head wayyy back to see the top of the tower or “Prang”. The main Prang represents mount Meru from the Hindu cosmology and the surrounding Prangs are a dedication to the wind god, I supposed so that a strong wind won’t blow down the towers…worked so far! About the steep steps, let’s just say it’s supposed to represent mount Meru! You can climb these steps for an amazing view of the Chao Phraya River, and then tell you friends that you’ve been mountain climbing in Bangkok.
I have to warn you one thing though, don’t expect going down to be easier than going up! It’s just as hard if not harder going down, as you’ll have to be very careful of your steps, otherwise you can end up being a mountain spirit. If you’re not in good physical shape, your legs will be quivering involuntarily after getting down, just like what happened to me! Don’t let me scare you off though, as the experience is very thrilling and you’ll have quite a story to tell your friends, with the pictures to proof it as well!