Wat Arun Tours

Wat Arun showing a monument, a memorial and a temple or place of worship
The high, Khmer-style tower of the “Temple of Dawn” is one of Bangkok’s most photographed landmarks... at sunset!

The historic significance, ornate design and beautiful views make Wat Arun worth the short ferry trip across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace/Wat Pho. Position yourself on the opposite side of the river at sunset to get a striking photograph of its impressive silhouette against a reddening sky.

The original building was a modest shrine. King Taksin established the capital on the site in the 18th century and built an ornate temple for the sacred Emerald Buddha statue. When he saw it was the first building to catch the morning light, he named it “Temple of Dawn” “Aruna” is the Indian god of dawn and “wat” means temple. In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital to the other side of the river and took the statue with him. The temple’s Khmer-style towers were added by his two successors in the early 19th century.

The four-corner pagoda, or “prang,” is an architectural representation of mythical Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. Get up close to see the tiny pieces of porcelain and colored glass that give the roof its shine. Climb the stairs part way up the spire for a view across the city. On your way out, check out the statues of monkeys, demons and incarnations of Buddha. Head inside to see the golden Buddha with the ashes of King Rama II interred at its base. Also worth a look are the murals featuring depictions of the spiritual teacher Prince Siddhartha encountering the different stages of life.

Wat Arun is one of the few Bangkok highlights on the western side of the river. The temple is open daily and there is an admission fee. Take the cross-river ferry at Tha Tien pier from the Grand Palace the ride takes a few minutes and is inexpensive. If you arrive later in the day, remember to stay on the eastern side of the river to watch the sun set behind the temple.

Plan a trip to see Wat Arun

Mason
Hansar Bangkok Hotel
One Patio Hotel Pattaya
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Wat Arun

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
496
" "5 - Excellent 57.80885780885781%
4 - Good
304
" "4 - Good 35.43123543123543%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 6.293706293706293%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.2331002331002331%
1 - Terrible
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4/5 - Good

Soo
Jan 23, 2020

It is beautiful at night if you look across the river.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 4, 2019

Best to go here first and then take the ferry across the river to Wat Pho for just 4 baht (less than a dime!)

5/5 - Excellent

Marky
Jul 15, 2019

Lovely Wat on the river!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 21, 2019

Neat place to visit. Don't think you can climb as high as you used to be able to. Recommend walking around the area some after visiting the temple - almost more to see outside than inside. Then you can take a boat for 4 baht across the river and find a rooftop bar to watch the sunset behind the temple!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 24, 2019

Visit by water taxi. Very inexpensive and you can connect from BTS Skytrain. You can also visit the Grand Palace via water taxi.

3/5 - Okay

Justin
Mar 19, 2019

Outdoors only, no interior.

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