Last week we talked about the boat ride I took along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Today I am excited to share what visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand was like. This temple is truly spectacular and absolutely lives up to every photo you have ever seen of it.
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Visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan is locally known as Wat Chaeng. Most visitors know it simply as Wat Arun, which means the Temple of Dawn. This epic temple is located on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River and is one of Bangkok's most recognizable landmarks.
The name comes from Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn. The temple earns its name beautifully: as the first light of day shines upon the towering prang along the Chao Phraya River, the porcelain-covered surface takes on a pearly, iridescent glow that is truly unforgettable
Check out all of the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) Tours HERE
The History of Wat Arun
Wat Arun has existed since at least the 17th century during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, when it was known as Wat Makok after the village in which it was built. The temple gained prominence during King Taksin's reign (1767 to 1782) when he established his new capital of Thonburi near the temple following the fall of Ayutthaya.
The Emerald Buddha was kept at Wat Arun from 1770 until 1785, when it was moved to the Grand Palace. When Rama I was crowned king, Wat Arun lost its title of royal temple to Wat Pho, and the building fell into years of decline. It was King Rama II who restored the temple in the 19th century, with construction continuing through the reign of King Rama III.
The temple underwent major restorations again during the reign of Rama V and in 1980 prior to the bicentenary celebration of Bangkok's founding. The most extensive restoration work on the prang was undertaken from 2013 to 2017.
A large portion of the temple was still under rehabilitation during my visit. Our guide mentioned this was ongoing work to care for the temple, and even with the Central Monument covered, the complex was still absolutely gorgeous and worth every minute.
The Architecture and Decorations
What makes Wat Arun unlike any other temple in Bangkok is its extraordinary ornamentation. The intricate decoration covering the prangs is made from colorful porcelain shards and seashells, which were originally used as ballast by Chinese trading ships. Most of the porcelain decorations were donated by local people, which makes them all the more meaningful.
The central prang originally stood just 16 meters tall but was renovated in 1851 during the reign of King Rama III to become the massive, ornate structure you see today, standing at nearly 82 meters high. Remarkably, nobody dared to build anything nearly as big so close to the water for fear of it tilting or collapsing.
The flowers on the prang are said to evoke the vegetation of Mount Meru, home of the gods. The central spire is topped with a seven-pronged trident known as the Trident of Shiva, and the surrounding spires are devoted to the wind god, Phra Phai.
The Chinese guards you see at the entrances to the terrace are found at all eight entrances to the temple area. Inside the niches of each of the minor prangs, you will find the statue of Nayu, the god of wind, on horseback.
The central prang features four Buddha images that depict the important periods of Buddha's life, including birth, first sermon, enlightenment, and nirvana. Inside the main prayer room, called the ubosot, King Rama II personally designed the presiding Buddha image, and its base contains his ashes. The walls are decorated with attractive murals painted during King Rama V's reign.
Climbing the Prang
One of the most exciting things about Wat Arun is that it is one of the few temples in Bangkok where you are permitted to climb its main staircase, rewarding visitors with panoramic views of the bustling Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho on the opposite bank. The stairs are steep, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time going up and down!
Check out all of the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) Tours HERE
On-Site Experiences
There are some small stands on site selling souvenirs, water, snacks, and traditional Thai costumes. We saw several people dressed up in beautiful regalia available for rent, and having your photo taken at Wat Arun in traditional costume is a really fun and memorable experience. Not only does wearing traditional costume enhance your photos, but it also offers a deeper appreciation for Thai culture and provides a respectful nod to the temple's historical significance.
Travel Tips for Visiting Wat Arun
Like all temples in Thailand, you need to be properly dressed to visit Wat Arun. Clothing must cover your shoulders and knees. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or flip flops. If you arrive underdressed, there are vendors nearby who can help.
There is a restroom on site but be prepared to pay a few baht for access and toilet paper.
Wat Arun is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. The last entrance is at 5:30 PM. The entrance fee is 200 baht for foreign visitors.
The best time to visit Wat Arun is early in the morning or late afternoon. This helps you avoid both the midday heat and the largest crowds. GetYourGuide Sunset in particular is magical here, when the golden light hits the porcelain spires and the whole temple glows.
Plan to spend at least one to two hours at the temple to see everything without feeling rushed.
Check out all of the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) Tours HERE
How to Get to Wat Arun
You can take the ferry from the Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho and cross to the other side of the river. From Saphan Taksin boat pier you can take a riverboat that stops at Pier 8, where a small shuttle boat takes you across the river for just 3 baht. You can also take the MRT Blue Line to Sanam Chai Station, then walk to Tha Tien Pier and take the crossing ferry from there.
Many visitors combine Wat Arun with a visit to Wat Pho and the Grand Palace on the same day since all three are within easy walking distance or a short ferry ride of each other. It makes for a fantastic full day of exploring Bangkok's most iconic temples.
Tours to Wat Arun
Want to make the most of your visit with an expert guide? Check out these great tour options for visiting Wat Arun below.
Bangkok Temples Tour: Wat Pho, Wat Arun & Grand Palace -See Bangkok's three most iconic landmarks in one convenient guided tour. Visit the Grand Palace, the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and the stunning Temple of Dawn at Wat Arun, with all entry tickets included.
Bangkok Tuk Tuk, Walk & Temple Tour with Wat Pho, Wat Arun & Wat Traimit - Experience Bangkok like a local on this fun six-hour tour that combines a tuk-tuk ride, a private long-tail boat trip through the canals, and visits to Wat Pho and Wat Arun. It's one of the most exciting and immersive ways to explore the city's temples and hidden neighborhoods.
Visit Wat Pho and Wat Arun with a Local Expert - Skip the guesswork and explore two of Bangkok's most beloved temples with a knowledgeable local guide by your side. This small-group tour keeps things personal and unhurried, giving you plenty of time to soak in the beauty and history of both Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
Bangkok Temples Tour: Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Wat Saket - This small-group tour takes you to three of Bangkok's most fascinating temples, including the Golden Mount at Wat Saket, the massive Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and the iconic riverside Wat Arun. With a maximum of nine people per group, you get a much more intimate and enjoyable experience than a standard bus tour.
Additional Thailand Travel Resources
Chang Khan, Thailand - Chiang Khan is one of those slow-travel gems that instantly steals your heart. This quiet riverside town on the Mekong River in Northern Thailand is known for its charming wooden shophouses, peaceful morning alms-giving ceremonies, and incredible sunsets. If you're craving a break from city life, Chiang Khan is the perfect place to breathe it all in.
Reclining Buddha, Bangkok - Nothing prepares you for the sheer size of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Bangkok's oldest and largest temple is an absolute must-visit, and the massive golden statue alone is worth the trip. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the entire complex, and don't skip the famous Thai massage school while you're there.
Grand Palace, Bangkok - The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok's most dazzling and iconic attractions, and no visit to the city is complete without it. The complex is home to stunning royal halls, intricate architecture, and the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Set aside a few hours to fully take it all in.
Mekong River Boat Tour - One of the most scenic and memorable ways to experience Northern Thailand is from the water. A boat tour along the Mekong River takes you through stunning landscapes, past traditional villages, and along one of Southeast Asia's most legendary waterways. It's an experience that stays with you long after the trip is over.
Hello Kitty Hotel - Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like, and it's absolutely delightful! Thailand's Hello Kitty Hotel is a dream come true for fans of the iconic character, with themed rooms, decor, and details around every corner. Whether you're traveling with kids or you're just a Hello Kitty fan at heart, this is one stay you won't forget.
Check out all of our Thailand Travel Guides
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