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 main feature of Wat Arun is its central prang, which is encrusted with colourful porcelain. This is interpreted as a stupa-like pagoda encrusted with coloured faience. The height is reported by different sources as between 66.8 m (219 ft) and 86 m (282 ft). Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong said that both prang (spire) and vihara (main hall) appeared today; they were the original works of the Department of Ten Crafts in the Ayutthaya period.

The Chao Phraya River[a] is the major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the center of the country. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. In the English-language media in Thailand, the name Chao Phraya River is often translated as river of kings.

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. Seen from across the Chao Phraya River in 2017 Grand Palace is located in Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), resided at the Chitralada Royal Villa and his successor King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) resides at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, both in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events.