Wat Arun Metaverse: A Virtual Reality Based Approach for Digitization, Education, and Exploration of Cultural Heritage

Wat Arun, or the ‘Temple of Dawn,’ is a well-known Buddhist temple and a significant tourist destination in Thailand. The temple serves as a hub for research on Buddhist studies and rich Thai culture. Overcoming the limitations in traditional cultural preservation, and educational methods, this paper describes a transformative Virtual Reality (VR) based metaverse design to attract users to explore this historical landmark. The methodology involves advanced Three-Dimensional (3D) digitization techniques for 3D model optimization, and customization, and a gamified educational framework. Results show the preliminary stage of the overall process of 3D implementation on Wat Arun metaverse. This study contributes as a vital platform for educators, researchers, and enthusiasts seeking an authentic and interactive exploration of rich cultural heritages. By setting a precedent for immersive and engaging experiences in heritage exploration, this research extends the boundaries of how cultural sites can be understood, appreciated, and preserved in the digital era.