Wat Arun
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Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple (wat) in the Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, Thailand. It is situated on Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruṇa, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. Wat Arun is among the best known of Thailand's landmarks. Although the temple has existed since at least the 17th century, its distinctive prang (spire) was built in the early 19th century during the reigns of Rama II and Rama III.
The temple, seen from across the river in 2021
The prang and temple buildings are decorated with porcelain shards.
Entrance to the ordination hall, with yaksha guardian statues
The prang, seen from within the temple grounds (2020)
Wat Phra Kaew
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Wat Phra Kaew, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The complex consists of a number of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical centre of Bangkok. It houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha, which is venerated as the country's palladium.
View from the Outer Court of the Grand Palace
King Rama I founded the Chakri dynasty in 1782; he began construction of the Wat Phra Kaew a year later.
Wat Phra Kaew complex viewed from outside the walls of the Grand Palace
The Ubosot of Wat Phra Kaew is surrounded by a low wall, eight bai sema shrines and twelve pavilions.