Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn

This temple is the First classed royal monastery of Ratchaworamahawiharn.  The temple was built in Ayutthaya period. Initially it was called Wat Makok temple. Praya Thak (later King Thaksin) has marched to Wat Makok temple for the selection of a new capital.

Early in the morning, Praya Thak founded Thonburi as the capital and restored it as the king's temple. The name of this temple was Wat Jeang (early morning) temple, and an emerald Buddha statue was brought from Laos and enshrined here.

During the reign of Rama I, he built Ubosot (The ordination hall) and Wiharn (Sermon Hall) in this temple. At that time, the emerald Buddha statue was moved to what is now Wat Prasi Rattana Sasadaram. This temple was renamed as Wat Arun Ratchataram during the reign of Rama II. In addition, it was renamed Wat Arun Ratchawararam during the reign of King Rama IV.

The Wat Arun Ratchawaralam became a national heritage on November 22, 1949.