Experience Thai Culture at Wat Arun

Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand that sees thousands of devotees each day. Built in a prang or Khmer architectural style, Wat Arun's most significant feature is its distinctively tall spire. As the name implies Wat Arun is the Temple of Dawn, the namesake holds true as the first light of day reflects of the temple surface creating a pearly glow.

The Wat Arun festival which takes place in November each year is centre around this holy temple. In addition to bringing together some of the most talented traditional performance artistes from all over the country, the festival also funds the Wat Arun Conservation Fund.

The first such festival was organized seven years ago under the theme 'When History Comes to Life' , in order to revive interest among locals for local traditions & culture, and also as an opportunity to showcase Thai religious practices to tourists. Each year different themes are followed so that the organizer may reveal a different side of Thai culture.

Previous themes have been on the multi-cultural society of Siam, which showcased the tolerance and diversity of multi-ethnic Thailand. Among the usual performances staged at the Wat Arun festival are Khon Chuk Rok ('flying' Khon court dance), Lakorn Nai, Hun Luang, Lakorn Nok, and Nang Yai which are rarely seen in modern Thailand.

In addition to breathtaking performances, traditional cuisine and local delicacies can be experienced by participants at the festival. In a city that is mostly dominated by modern shopping malls and glamorous night spots, the Wat Arun festival offers a different kind of entertainment for tourists. Located close to the historic Wat Arun complex is are Bangkok serviced apartments that offer excellent accommodation options as well as great access to the city's sights and sounds.