Feb 26 - We need a few things at the mall, so today figure out how to get to the real ‘downtown’ area by bus. We go to the Pathum Wan district, where there are several large shopping complexes. Get a dedicated backpack for Odette and a cold-weather hat for Janet.
A broom and duster salesman, plying his trade on the street.
Outside the CentralwOrld shopping complex was this tented area called ‘Summer Street Food’. I though, OK, here will be some cheap eats. But no, food here was just as expensive as in the mall (150-300 Baht/plate).
From here, find a bus to take us southwest, across the Chao Phraya River, into the Thawisuk Village district. Disembark and walk about 15 minutes to Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawararamahawihan (Wat Arun for short). It is also called the Temple of Dawn, due to the reflection of the rising sun off of the structure.
Unlike the structures we saw yesterday on the east side of the river, Wat Arun is much older, dating from the 17th century. As such the architectural style is quite different.
This is the best we can do to capture the core of the wat complex. Shown is the central prang, which dates from the 19th century so is newer than most of the rest of the temples.
More detail on the central prang. The stairways leading up the sides were closed off, with only a walkway around the lower tier open. Note the garudas supporting the edifice.
Perhaps these women were part of a group that had donated some money to the wat, and were being acknowledged.
There were many people here dressing up in traditional upper class Thai clothing. Shops in the area were renting such apparel. We saw the same thing on our second day in Seoul in 2019.
A figurine in a recessed compartment on the side of the prang.
Traditional Thai and traditional traveler kid clothing, compared.
The Buddha in the Phra Ubosot (Ordination Hall). The Emerald Buddha was kept here until moved to the Grand Palace.
Posing outside of Phra Ubosot.
Like yesterday, there were opportunities to bang on gongs.
This tilework reminded us a great deal of the style and color we last saw in Shiraz, Iran (Day 191).
Part of a shrine to the east of Wat Arun.
Wat Arun backs up against the river. We took a ferry shuttle from here back across to the east. The tall buildings in the far distance in the above photo is where we ate lunch today.
Arriving back in the Phra Nakhon district, we meander back to the hotel through Saranrom Palace Park and Rommaninat Park. Just have some fruit and gyozas tonight for dinner, bought on the street.
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