Highlight in our tour programs
- Pick up from hotel with private transportation, private tour guide
- Boarding on the private long-tail boat
- A boat whisks you down the Chaophaya River and canals of Thailand
- Feed the fishes from your private long-tail boat
- Visiting Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is one of the most striking riverside landmarks of Thailand. The architectural in majestic Khmer- style tower stretches 76 meters tall.
General Information
In the past, daily commerce in Thailand was conducted mostly along rivers and canals (or klong in Thai). Bangkok’s water network was busy and served as the principal means of communication causing Bangkok to be called as the “Venice of the East” by early European visitors.
In this sightseeing trip, you will be boarding on private long-tail boat passing various canals, enchanting with the natural beauty cruising past the royal barge museum, you will touch a great on the water-way and see Thai people at home along the canals.
Immerse yourself in the picturesque riverside scenery as you drift past stilled wooden houses, floating kitchen, mobile shops, colonial mansions and all king of colorful culture along the riverfront.
A long-tailed boat whisks you down the Chaophaya River and canals of Thailand – the original site where Bangkok was founded before King Rama I moved the capital’s epicenter across the river to the Rattanakosin Island.
Immerse yourself in the picturesque riverside scenery as you drift past stilled wooden houses, floating kitchen, mobile shops, colonial mansions and all king of colorful culture along the riverfront.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is situated another side of Chao Phraya River, opposite of Wat Pho. Wat Arun or The Temple of Dawn – Why does the temple have this name?
Back to April, 1767, Ayutthaya city was fell down and occupied by the enemy. Phra Ya Tak, a senior official who left the city before it collapsed, decided to strike back at Ayutthaya. He gathered Thai young men at the east side of Thailand and came back to Ayutthaya by boat.
During the journey along The Chao Praya River, he arrived at a local temple at dawn. Its original name was Wat Makok which is situated on the west side of the river, so Phra Ya Tak gave a name to this temple as a temple of dawn or Wat Arun.
Later on, after dispelling the enemy, Phra Ya Tak ascended to the throne as King Taksin, the Great. Then, he moved people from Ayutthaya to the west bank of Bangkok, and declared to his people that, here was our new capital.
He ordered to build his residence next to Wat Arun, and include this temple inside his residence as a palace temple and the royal temple.
After the reign of King Taksin the Great, the royal palace was moved to the east side of The Chao Praya River in 1782, that is the must see for every Bangkok visitor, The Grand Palace and we will visit later on our travel video. Since then, Wat Arun has become only the royal temple, not a palace temple anymore. Unfortunately, King Rama II passed away before, and this temple renovation was completed in the reign of King Rama III.
At the river bank, you will see the monument of King Rama II who initiated the first renovation of this temple in 1842 A.D. The temple was expanded and the Prang (stupa) was raised up to 67 meters high as the landmark of the city, decorated with colorful Chinese mosaics. Unfortunately, King Rama II passed away before and this temple renovation was completed in the reign of King Rama III.
The stupa of Wat Arun is admired for the design, the architecture and decoration from every visitor. The main stupa is at the center and surrounded by 4 smaller stupas at each corner and 4 niches at each direction. The concept of this design comes from Buddhism cosmology.
The main prang at the center represents Sumeru Mount which is the center of the universe. The 4 small stupas are represented 4 continents on the ocean around Sumeru Mount.
If we look up at the main prang, on the first level there are trees surrounding. At the second to three level are mythical creatures such as half man half bird and half woman half bird standing.
Above, there are four niches that have statues of Indra God on Erawan – the three-headed elephant. There are a pinnacle and crown at the top most.
There is a pair of demon statue at the entrance of the main hall. They are guarding temple from all evils. This is the first pair of demon which was built in the reign of King Rama III. Moreover, there are another six pairs at the inner entrance of The Emerald Buddha Temple, inside The Grand Palace. Besides, there are a replica of these demons at Suvannabhumi airport, to guard you and to say goodbye to you.
Along the gallery surrounding the ordination hall, there are Seated Buddha Images which were built in the reign of King Rama II.
When stepping inside the gallery, there are 4 pairs of bronze elephants at the inner entrance. At the ground area, they are Chinese Warriors stone figures and Chinese lion guardians.
At the corner of the gallery, you will also see a Chinese Pagoda with 8 niches at the base.
When stepping inside the gallery, there are 4 pairs of bronze elephants at the inner entrance. At the ground area, they are Chinese Warriors stone figures and Chinese lion guardians.
At the corner of the gallery, you will also see a Chinese Pagoda with 8 niches at the base.
Boundary stones or Bai Sema is housed in the niches and made of marble. There are double stone slaps which mean this temple is the Royal Temple and was built on command of the king.
Inside the ordination hall, there is a principal Buddha image in Subduing Mara posture. It’s been said that the Buddha image was molded by King Rama II. The mural painting at the door panel shows the mythical tree names “Nareepol” or “Makkaleepol”, the tree which fruits are in woman shape.
Dress suggests for this tour
Casual outfits suitable for get in-get off the boat
Visitors are required to dress appropriately to visit royal temples, these following clothes are strictly not allowed as outer garments for both ladies and gentlemen:
- Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, and tights
- See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers
- Sleeveless shirts or vests
- Sandals (without ankle or heel straps)
- Rolled-up-sleeved shirts
- Sweatshirts and sweatpants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers
There are a lot of stories to tell, come and discover by yourself with us; Click Thailand……
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