Wat Arun (Temple Of Dawn)

Legend has it that Wat Arun, also known as Wat Chaeng, was so named because it was at dawn (arun or chaeng in Thai) when King Taksin and his naval troops reached this spot. The king had just successfully expelled the Burmese invaders from Siam and he was looking for a suitable location to found anew capital to replace the war-ravaged Ayutthaya. Some, however argue that the name Wat Chaeng had been mention before this event in travel records from the Ayutthaya period.
        In any case, the more important point is that Wat Arun was a royal temple during King Taksin's reign. The temple housed the revered Emerald Buddha before it was relocated across the river to Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace.
       The most prominent feature of Wat Arun is the majestic Thai-style stupa overlooking the Chao Phraya . Its present form and height are the result of a grand restoration that began during the time of King Rama II and was completed during the reign of his son, who had the top of the stupa adorned with a crown as a gesture to show the monarchy's devotion to Buddhism.

Here is the most elegant pagoda, landmark of the Thailand, located on the west bank of Chao Phraya River.

Bus: 19 , 57
Boat: Wat Arun Pier
Operating Hours: Daily 8.00am - 5.00pm
Admission Fee: 50 bath

Source: Bangkok's Secret , Bangkok Tourism Division