Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, was built in memory of Taksin, who was the 41st king and national hero of Thailand. It is recognized as one of the most iconic and beautiful temples in Thailand.
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is famous for its magnificent 79-meter-high central spire, reputed as being Thailand’s Eiffel Tower, which has a unique design and fine craftsmanship. It is the best place to overlook the Chao Phraya River and enjoy the night view.
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Asia Highlights is the way to go without any question. Next overseas trip will be booked with them for sure. Thank you for a wonderful and stress free vacation experience. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. MoreTodd Atwell, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
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The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok and divides it into two areas. Many famous temples are located on the east bank but Wat Arun sits on the west bank. Its stunning towering spire is one of the landmarks of Bangkok.
Built in 1809, the 79-meter-high imposing spire is the largest Mahayana one in Thailand. The base and the tower body are square. The exterior of the spire is decorated with intricate carvings and inlaid with a variety of colorful ceramic plates, glasses, and shells that make it splendid and solemn. There are four small towers around it, forming a large and beautiful cluster of towers.
When you climb up the central spire and reach the highest point, you will see the winding Chao Phraya River beneath and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho opposite. Take care when you climb because the steps are steep. The railing will help a lot.
The Ordination Hall houses a golden Buddha image. Many Buddhists and tourists go there to worship. Make sure you dress appropriately or pick up one of the cover-ups that are available for rent near the entrance.
Every December, the temple will hold a grand fiesta, which is one of the important ceremonies of the Thai royal family.
If you wish to see the stunning view of Wat Arun or want to find a good spot to take a photo, taking a cruise on the Chao Phraya River is recommended.
In the daytime, the imposing spire sparkles under the bright sunlight. The sparkling spire and its surroundings form a wonderful picture against the blue sky.
Wat Arun creates a different scene at sunset. The setting sun shines on the spire, adding a more solemn atmosphere. In the evening, the spire is resplendent in the light.
It is said that after King Taksin drove out the Burmese army, he traveled down the Chao Phraya River and passed the temple at dawn, at which point he gave the order to go ashore to worship in the temple. Later, he gave orders for the temple to be rebuilt and changed the name to the Temple of Dawn.
Another belief is that people think the temple’s 79-meter-high spire is the first place to greet the dawn every day, which is why it was named the Temple of Dawn.
King Taksin was the founder of the Thonburi Kingdom, the third unified kingdom in Thai history. He was an ethnic Chinese person born in Thailand. His father was from Chaoshan, a city in Guangdong Province, China.
After the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, he recruited troops to defeat the Burmese army, pacified the separatist forces, unified the country, and established the Thonburi Kingdom, which laid the foundation for the map of modern Thailand.
On December 28, 1767, Taksin was crowned the King of the Thonburi Kingdom. He reigned for 15 years and died in 1782. Due to his love for the people as well as his benevolence, morality, and great contributions to the country and the nation, the Thai people looked up to him. Therefore, the Thai government has designated December 28th as the annual "King Taksin Day" to honor the national hero.
7-Day Central Thailand Exploration:
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