The Buddhist temple Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, alongside Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaeo.

Thanks to its location right on the banks of the River Chao Phraya, Wat Arun is also one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

The complex isn’t as large as the neighbouring Wat Pho or the Grand Palace, but I wouldn’t miss a visit there.

My tip: Wat Arun is worth seeing twice. In daylight, take a close look at the decorations. Then, at sunset, head to the opposite bank, from where you’ll see the whole temple rising above the river.

In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful monument in Bangkok.

• Admission: 200 thb
• Open: daily 8.00–18.00
• Duration of visit: approximately 45–60 minutes; feel free to stay longer if you’re taking photos
• The easiest way to get there from Wat Pho: a short ferry ride from Tha Tien pier

Details on the tour, the views, boats and riverside hotels can be found below.

Book hotels in advance to get a discount

What to see at Wat Arun

The main prang and porcelain decorations

Wat Arun is dominated by the main prang, a temple tower approximately 80 metres high.

It stands at the centre of a square layout and is flanked by four smaller towers at the corners. Its shape is reminiscent of Khmer temple architecture, which is why it looks quite different from many other temples in Bangkok.

From a distance, the tower looks almost white. Up close, you’ll discover thousands of tiny ornaments made of glazed ceramics, Chinese porcelain and shells. It is precisely because of these details that it’s worth paying the entrance fee, even though the best view of the entire temple is from the other side of the river.

The original temple stood here as far back as the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The current form of the tall prang was mainly developed in the 19th century.

The temple building and the guardians

Don’t just stick to the tower. The complex also features the main temple building, which houses a statue of the Buddha and ornate murals. As you walk around, take note of the monumental guardian figures and other statues.

An interesting fact: the Emerald Buddha used to be housed at Wat Arun. Today, you can see it at Wat Phra Kaeo inside the Grand Palace.

Can you climb Wat Arun?

The interior of the main prang is not normally accessible. You can only go as far up the stairs as the barriers within the grounds allow.

It used to be possible to climb up to the highest galleries, but this is no longer possible.

If the lower gallery is open, be prepared for some very steep steps. However, I wouldn’t go to Wat Arun primarily for the view. The best experience is seeing the tower up close and then the whole temple across the river.

When to go and where to take photos of Wat Arun

Morning: a tour of the temple

On clear days, the light creates a magnificent play of colours on the light-coloured façade and porcelain decorations. What’s more, the heat is usually more bearable in the morning.

If you’re mainly interested in walking around the complex and photographing the details, I’d suggest arriving straight after it opens.

At sunset: a view from the opposite bank

To take a photo of Wat Arun in its entirety, head back to the other side of the river, near Tha Tien Pier. At sunset, the temple’s silhouette stands out against the water. After dark, Wat Arun is illuminated by a warm yellow-orange light.

You don’t need to pay the temple entrance fee to enjoy this view. If you’d like to watch the sunset from your room, I’ve listed some specific hotels with views of Wat Arun below.

💬 Where did you find the best spot to photograph Wat Arun? Share your tip in the comments.

Admission fees, opening hours and dress code

Wat Arun is open every day from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. Admission for international visitors is 200 thb and tickets are purchased on site.

If you arrive after 5.30 pm, I wouldn’t risk them letting you into the paid section.

Make sure you bring cash; you can’t pay by card here.

Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered when visiting the temple. You must remove your shoes before entering the temple building. If you do not have suitable clothing, you can buy or hire some nearby, but it is easier to come prepared in advance.

Is it worth going inside? If you just want to see the silhouette of Wat Arun overlooking the river, the opposite bank will suffice. The admission fee gives you the chance to see the prang and its decorations up close, as well as to explore other parts of the temple. On my first visit to Bangkok, I would opt for both.

Official website:watarun1.com

Accommodation with a view of Wat Arun

However, if you want to see Wat Arun lit up from your room or a hotel terrace, I’d recommend choosing somewhere on the opposite bank. The hotels here are also close to Wat Pho and the ferry:

• Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok – my top choice if the view of the temple is the main reason for your stay.
• ARUN Riverside Bangkok – a smaller hotel right by the river.
• Riva Arun Bangkok – another option in the historic centre by the riverfront.

When booking, check the room type. Not all rooms have a view of Wat Arun, even in hotels right by the river. Compare prices based on your travel dates; a fixed price would quickly become out of date here.

Compare other hotels near Wat Arun

For a longer stay exploring the whole city, base your decision on the availability of other neighbourhoods. The section ‘Where to stay in Bangkok’ will help you.

Getting to Wat Arun

The temple is one of the few landmarks situated on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River, and the quickest way to get here from the city centre is by boat.

• Boat – Wat Arun pier (right by the entrance): the orange Chao Phraya Express Boat line, the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat line and the green MINE Smart Ferry route. The ferry then crosses to the other side of the river toWat Pho
• Bus – bus stop approximately 200 metres from the entrance: route 57 (Khlong San station on the gold line of the automated metro, Itsaraphap station on the blue metro line, Wongwian Yan station)
• Metro – the nearest station on the blue metro line,Itsaraphap, is approximately900 metres from the temple

What to see around

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