It is no secret that Thailand is home to stunning temples in different forms. Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. It is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Thailand. This breathtaking “wat” offers stunning architecture, rich history, and panoramic views of the city as it sits along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. If you’re planning to include Wat Arun in your next Thailand itinerary, here’s what you can expect.
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The History of Wat Arun Temple of the Dawn
Wat Arun, or Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, was named after Aruna, a Hindu god personified as the radiation of the rising sun. It dates back to the Ayutthaya period. It gained prominence when King Taksin established Thonburi as the capital in the 18th century. The temple was in the Royal Palace grounds until Rama I moved it to the other side of the river. Moreover, King Rama II and King Rama III later renovated the temple, resulting in its magnificent spire (prang) that soars 79 meters high. The structure is intricately adorned with colorful porcelain and seashells glistening beautifully under the sunlight. The most recent restorations were undertaken from 2013 to 2017.
How to Get to Wat Arun
Wat Arun is located along the Chao Phraya River and is easily accessible via the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Thien Pier (N8), then take a small cross-river ferry for 5 THB.
If via MRT, take the MRT Blue Line to Itsaraphap Station and take a short walk or taxi to the temple. Another way to get there is to travel via the BTS Skytrain Silom Line from your location to the BTS Saphan Taksin Station. You can then take a ferry to Tha Tien Pier and wait for the smaller ferry to take you across. Alternatively, taxis and tuk-tuks are available for a more convenient journey.
Check for directions to the Wat Arun Temple of the Dawn
When we visited, we took a bus from BTS Un Not Station to the bus station nearest the Grand Palace. From the Grand Palace, we walked for ten minutes, passing by Wat Pho and a small market, until we reached Tha Tien Port. Prepare 3 to 5 Baht for the ferry ride across.
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Wat Arun Temple and Grounds
Our ferry ride was uneventful. Looking at the pier, heaps of tourists were already taking photos of the “wat” from different angles. According to research from ScienceDirect, 5 million tourists visit the temple per year. As we went closer, we slowly approached the sight of the popular Wat Arun basking in the afternoon sun. It was charming, enchanting, and thrilling to see it in person, finally.
We stepped off the ferry and through the gate to a modest, ornate temple framed by meticulously arranged flora. This was the Ordination Hall. Likewise, the grounds around Wat Arun were equally pristine, almost picture-perfect.
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Wat Arun Temple of the Dawn: Entrance Fees, Dress Code, and Hours
When visiting Wat Arun, here are some of the things to remember:
- Dress Code: Avoid wearing shorts and see-through and/or sleeveless tops. Additionally, as a sacred site, it is a requirement that visitors be in modest clothing – shoulders and knees must be covered – to explore the temple. Hence, sarongs are available for rent at the entrance.
- Entrance Fee: During our visit, we paid 100 THB per person. As of April 2026, the entrance fee for Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is 200 THB per person for foreign tourists.
- Payment – Cash is needed to purchase tickets.
- Photography: Be mindful of the monks and worshippers when taking photos and videos. Important to note that there might be some sections in the temple where visitors are off limits.
- Opening Hours: Wat Arun is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Wat Arun: The Architectural Marvel
The central prang at Wat Arun is inspired by Khmer architecture. You can climb its steep, narrow stairs to reach the top. From the balcony, you get great views of the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok skyline.
The tower is decorated with porcelain and seashells. At the base are statues of animals and ancient soldiers. Gates and walls surround the temple, which also has smaller prangs, Buddha statues, and elegant pavilions.
The air smells faintly of incense and river water. Bells chime in the distance. Down below, ferries glide along the river while the city hums softly.
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Exploring Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn
Documenting the Experience
We spent considerable time exploring every tower and side of the temple, capturing hundreds of photos to remember the visit. Our tour was in the late afternoon, which made it challenging to get clean shots without other visitors showing in the frames. A few courteous strangers paused to avoid being photographed. The main tower features central stairs. Unfortunately, they closed and restricted the gates on the upper level that day.
The Weather and the Dress Code
They were more restrictive when it came to women’s dress code. Thankfully, I came prepared with a sarong, just in case, so I could avoid the extra cost of buying another or renting a sarong to cover up with. Shirts and knee-length shorts are acceptable for men.
After their tour, some visitors relaxed on the grassy area just beyond the inner walls. We visited in August, and the heat persisted despite occasional rain. Most were wearing thin shirts and summer clothing. Staying hydrated is essential in summer, but be sure to dispose of bottles properly.
Waiting for the Magnificent Wat Arun
At 15 minutes to six in the evening, the guards started leading the tourists to the other side of the inner enclosures. We waited in the grassy area decorated with well-kept flower beds and landscaped grounds. There were flags, and a life-size photo of the King was at the front to welcome all visitors. At around six in the evening, as dusk slowly crept in, we stared in awe at the magnificence of Wat Arun, which now shone brightly and beautifully with the sunset along the Chao Phraya River.
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As we sailed back to the other side, I snapped a few more photos, hoping I would be able to capture its grandeur even just a tiny bit. As darkness slowly engulfed the surroundings, Wat Arun became even more stunning with the night sky as its backdrop. And with that magnificent view, we closed our Wat Arun adventure.
Read: The Must-Visit Wat Saket (Golden Mount) in Bangkok, Thailand
Why Visit Wat Arun?
Wat Arun was an unforgettable experience that blends cultural immersion with awe-inspiring beauty. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history lover, or a traveler seeking a spiritual retreat, this landmark is a must-see in Bangkok. For those planning a trip to Thailand, do not miss Wat Arun and witness the magic of the Temple of Dawn.
This article was published on November 25, 2019, and updated on April 25, 2026.
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