Wat Arun, also known as Wat Chaeng, is a landmark of Bangkok and is also called the Temple of Dawn. Its central prang (tower) rises 82 meters into the sky and is the tallest structure in Bangkok. Built in the Khmer style, the temple symbolizes Mount Meru, considered the Buddhist cosmological center of the world. The prangs achieve their morning brilliance through porcelain mosaics and seashells covering their surfaces. The ordination hall (bot) houses extraordinary murals depicting royal life.
The main staircase of Wat Arun Temple provides visitors with access to viewpoints offering spectacular views of the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho. Since these attractions are easily accessible on foot across the river, it's recommended to combine a visit to Wat Arun with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The temple is particularly photogenic at sunrise or sunset, when the light from the opposite bank creates a magical effect. Wat Arun is renowned for its magnificent architecture and historical significance. Book a temple and longtail boat tour, including lunch and an English-speaking guide, to explore the beautiful Wat Arun.
Popular activities in Wat Arun, Bangkok
The Opulence Luxury Chao Phraya Cruise
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Hop On Hop Off
Chao Phraya cruise at ASIATIQUE The Riverfront Pier
The best of Bangkok: Temple and longtail boat tour with lunch and English-speaking guide
Bangkok: Canal tour by longboat with English-speaking guide
Historical bicycle tour through Bangkok
Bangkok Canal Tour: Highlights: Siam Museum and Wat Arun by longboat
Afternoon tea on board – Shangri-La Horizon cruise
Half-day photo tour through Bangkok Wat Arun & Tha Tien with Thai Sash
Bangkok: The newest luxury 5-star cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
Bangkok: White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise with free beer
Bangkok city tour with Michelin-starred Thai cuisine (14:00-15:30)
Bangkok: Boat tour to the highlights of the canals, Siam Museum and guided tour of Wat Arun
Bangkok: City Highlights Temples – Flexible temple tour, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun with English-speaking tour guide
Bangkok Chaophraya cruise with Asiatique
Ayutthaya Grand Pearl River Cruise Tour
Deja Brew Lifestyle Cafe at Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon
3 Temple Tours in Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Tha Maharaj, Wat Paknam Tour
Opening hours of Wat Arun in Bangkok
Wat Arun Bangkok is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please check the exact opening hours before your visit, as they may vary on certain days and holidays.
How to reach Wat Arun
Wat Arun is located at 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand. Wat Arun is easily accessible by both public and private transport.
The river cruise offers most visitors the most scenic route to Wat Arun. You can reach Wat Arun by boat from Saphan Taksin (Sathorn Pier), which is accessible via the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station. Upon arrival at the pier, take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tien Pier (N8). From Tha Tien Pier, Wat Arun is just a short ferry ride away on the opposite bank of the river.
Bus lines 19, 57, 83, and 507 stop near Wat Arun. While Bangkok's public transportation network includes buses, heavy traffic and communication difficulties between locals and tourists can make them challenging for foreign visitors.
Bangkok offers easy access to taxis and tuk-tuks in all parts of the city. Always choose a taxi with a meter and agree on the price before starting your journey to avoid inflated fares. It's also advisable to negotiate the fare before starting a tuk-tuk ride.
Using private cars and ride-hailing services like Grab offers passengers comfortable and convenient travel options. You will receive a fixed price for direct transport to the temple.
Best time to visit Wat Arun
Early morning offers the best experience at Wat Arun Temple, as it is less crowded then. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for photography and allows you to fully appreciate the view. From 10:00 AM until midday, the number of visitors to Wat Arun increases significantly. During this time, the temple becomes hot and very crowded.
Visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok during the hot and crowded peak hours is an unpleasant experience, so travelers should avoid this time. A visit to Wat Arun is recommended between 3:00 and 4:30 pm, as the climate is pleasant then and most tourists have left. The best time to visit Wat Arun is therefore in the morning or at sunset, as it is cooler and there are fewer visitors.
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