Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple (wat) on the Thonburi or west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is so named because the first light of the morning reflects off the surface of the structures that surround the actual temple building..The full name of the temple is Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan (Thai: วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร). It is among the best known of Thailand's landmarks. The temple has existed since at least the seventeenth century, however, its distinctive prang (spires) and pagoda were built in the early nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II.
The cover photo and the wide view of it as seen above were taken by Al Grotzinger from the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River in 2012. © 2012, Al Grotzinger, All rights reserved. Used by permission.