Wat Arun Rajwararam is the royal temple of the special first class. It is located in Arun Amarin Road, on the shore of Thonburi River. It is opposite to Wat Pho. Visitors can cross the river at Tha Tien pier. It is the ancient temple built in Krungsri Ayutthaya period. Its former name is Wat Makok. Later, in Thonburi era, people called this temple “Wat Chaeng”.
When King Taksin moved the capital city from Krungsri Ayutthaya to Thonburi city, he announced Wat Chaeng as the temple in the royal area and located the emerald Buddha statue from Vientiane in Rattanakosin era of King Yodfa Chulaloke there. Prince Isara Sunthorn came to stay at the palace and repaired the whole temple. The era of King Yodfa Chulaloke ended before the repair was completed.