Photo of the week: Flower Wreath at Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand

This week’s travel photo is of a flower wreath at Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand. Also known as The Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is a spectacular Buddhist temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

More about Wat Arun

Wat Arun is famous for its distinctive riverside location and iconic spire, or prang, which rises majestically above the Chao Phraya River. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period but gained prominence during the late 18th century when King Taksin chose it as the site to house the Emerald Buddha after liberating the city from Burmese rule. It was later renamed Wat Arunratchawararam by King Rama II, who began its restoration, and King Rama III further embellished it with intricate porcelain and seashell mosaics that reflect sunlight beautifully, giving it its nickname. Wat Arun’s central prang, standing 70 meters tall, symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. You can climb partway up the prang for panoramic views of the river and Bangkok’s skyline. Open daily, Wat Arun offers a fascinating blend of history, spirituality, and architectural brilliance, making it a must-see attraction in Bangkok.