Im thinking I need to be a Journalist for the Financial Times to get an overall Exceptional rating, ...
Im thinking I need to be a Journalist for the Financial Times to get an overall Exceptional rating, hard to please people on here...
Member since:11.07.2008
Reviews:40
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Introduction -
For me the most spectacular sight in Bangkok is Wat Arun, otherwise known as 'The temple of the Dawn', so named because the first light in the morning shines off the surface and reflects a pearly iridescence. The temple is Buddhist and located in the Bangkok Yai district, which is located on the West Bank of the Chao Phraya River. Although Wat Arun has become its shortened and more commonly used name, in my opinion to make it easier for tourists to understand, its full name is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara, imagine fitting that on a tourist map.
The Temple -
The main feature of the Wat is its central Prang, it was built to symbolize mount Meru of the Indian cosmology, there are two sets of steps leading to two terraces, and the overall height of the tower is predicted at around 86m, although some claim it to be 66.8m. The central prang is visible clearly from the river and immediately draws your attention, the first time I saw it I couldn't believe the sheer size, it reflects wonderfully in the sun and would entice any tourist.
There are also four smaller prangs located at each corner of the central tower, around the base of each of these are figures or ancient Chinese animals and soldiers, decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain used as a ballast by boats arriving in Bangkok from China. These prangs are devoted to the wind god Phra Phai.
The temple was built in the days of Thailands capital of Ayutthaya and has been previously known as Wat Makok or the olive temple, although the name was changed to Wat Chaeng by king Taksin in the era when Thonburi was capital. The later king Rama II then changed the name to Wat Arunratchatharam and simultaneously restored and enlarged the central Prang. King Rama III finally completed the work allowing King Rama IV to give it its present name. The Wat was briefly the host of the cherished Emerald Buddha, but that was relocated toWat Phra Kaew in 1784.
Surroundings -
At the riverside are six pavilions or sala's in the Chinese style, they are made of green granite and are home to landing bridges. Adjacent to the prangs is the ordination hall with the Niramitr Buddha image which was apparently designed by King Rama II. The front entrance of the hall has a roof with a central spire which is decorated in beautifully coloured ceramics and stuccowork, there are also two demons who guard the temple at the front.
My opinions -
The area has been fairly well kept and those left in charge of the Wat clearly still cherish it dearly, flowers appear to be replaced on a regular basis and litter is immediately removed if anyone dared drop any.
We did find actually locating the entrance to the temple fairly difficult to find but we didchoose to go by road rather than by the more popular choice of a boat trip. The boat can be picked up across the river near the grand palace so in my opinion it is advisable to visit them both on the same day, we stayed at the peninsulahotel and from there it is a fair journey to the Wat. Saying that once you are there it is truly a joy to visit, it costs around £1.50 to enter, which is very reasonable in my opinion. We visited many temples during our stay but I enjoyed this the most, to think they built something so tall and to get the symmetry perfect the whole way down and around the Wat is beyond belief. Just looking at it I could imagine it taking years and years for men to painstakingly attach each little piece of porcelain.
The stairs up the Wat are however extremely dangerous, the first set are ok and most people will not struggle; the second however are the steepest steps I have ever seen. They rise at around a 70 degree angle and are fairly slim so if you have big feet you will struggle. The only way to get down them safely is to turn yourself around and go down backwards, if you fell you would definitely break a bone or two and you're a fair way away from the hospital.
I would therefore suggest that anyone who has a physical disability not attempt to climb the Wat, it is hard work reaching the top and it would be dangerous to attempt it. Therefore, if you feel you fall into this category it may be worth just viewing the temple from the river by boat, you still get a very nice view and it would save you going out of your way.
We went in April, which some consider to be the hottest month, upon reaching the top of the temple I went very light headed, the heat on the Wat is amazing, the tower reflects the heat off directly onto like when you are in the sea. I advise carrying at least one bottle of water with you if you visit there in a hot month and have a decent meal, I didn't and struggled. Luckily however there is a small market located at the bottom of the Wat which provides cheap food such as crisps, biscuits, fruit and a selection of cold drinks, as well as some local souvenirs. It also provides you with good cover if the heavens decide to open like they did with us, there is nowhere else to hide in the area if they do.
Verdict -
I personally found the temple very enjoyable and well worth a visit; the cheap price should not deter anyone and is one of, if not THE highlight of Bangkok. I would suggest you prepare well though and do not attempt the climb if you do not think you can make it, I assure you it's not easy getting up and even more daunting coming back down
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