This luxurious complex is named after the god of dawn, Aruna. During the reign of Prince Taksin (1767-1782), Wat Arun was the main royal monastery in the country. Under Kings Rama I and Rama II, the monastery was significantly expanded. The central prang (stupa), built in the 18th century, is still considered the highest in Thailand. It symbolizes Mount Meru, and its tiers symbolize the plurality of worlds. In the 19th century, the prang was decorated with porcelain and ceramic mosaics. The steep outer staircase of the central prang symbolizes the difficulties of reaching higher levels of being.

Around the central prang there are four small prangs (representing the four continents in the world ocean), and between them there are mondops oriented to the cardinal points. In the niches of small prangs there are equestrian statues of the wind god Vayu. And the entrances to the terrace are guarded by statues of guards.

The entrance to the temple is paid.