Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, stands on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite Wat Pho. Its tall central prang, covered in pieces of colourful Chinese porcelain, is one of the best-known sights in Bangkok and looks especially striking at sunset and when lit up at night.
This guide covers its history, what to see, current opening hours and the easiest way to get there by boat.
Plan your visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Entry: 200 baht
- Open daily 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Time needed: about 1 hour
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History of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
A temple has stood here since the Ayutthaya period. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, King Taksin set up his new capital at Thonburi and made the temple part of his palace grounds. The Emerald Buddha was kept here until 1784, when it was moved across the river to Wat Phra Kaew.
King Rama II gave the temple its present name, Wat Arun, after Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, and began raising the great central prang. The work was completed under King Rama III, giving the tower its present height of roughly 70 metres.
Attractions at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- The central prang: the Khmer-style tower decorated with porcelain and seashells, surrounded by four smaller prangs.
- Ordination hall (ubosot): with a Buddha image said to have been moulded under King Rama II, and murals inside.
- Giant guardians (yaksha): two colourful demon statues guard the entrance to the ordination hall.
- Riverside views: the temple grounds look across the river to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Things to Do at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Climb to the lower terraces: visitors can usually go up only to the lower level of the prang, as the upper stairs are very steep and closed off.
- Photograph the prang: the porcelain details are best up close in the morning; the classic sunset view is from the opposite bank near Tha Tien.
- Rent a Thai costume: shops outside the temple rent traditional outfits for photos.
- Combine with Wat Pho: the cross-river ferry takes only a few minutes.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Opening hours: daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry: 200 baht for foreign visitors; Thai nationals enter free.
- Dress code: cover shoulders and knees. Wraps can be rented near the entrance if needed.
Check the latest times locally, as hours can change for ceremonies.
Tickets and tours for Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
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How Long to Spend at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Allow about 1 hour to see the prang and the ordination hall, or longer if you plan to stay for photos.
How to Get There
- Cross-river ferry: from Tha Tien pier, next to Wat Pho, a small ferry crosses to Wat Arun in a few minutes for a few baht.
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: from Sathorn pier (next to BTS Saphan Taksin) take the boat upriver to Wat Arun or Tha Tien pier.
- MRT: Sanam Chai station is about a 10-minute walk from Tha Tien pier, then take the ferry.
- Taxi or Grab: possible via the Thonburi side, but the boat is usually quicker.
Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- The Deck by Arun Residence: riverside Thai and Western food facing the temple from the Tha Tien side.
- Sala Rattanakosin: a boutique hotel by Tha Tien with a restaurant and rooftop bar overlooking Wat Arun.
- Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien): home-style Thai cooking near Wat Pho.
Riverside restaurants fill up at sunset, so book ahead if you can.
Other Attractions Nearby Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Wat Pho: the Reclining Buddha, directly across the river.
- The Grand Palace: a short walk from Tha Tien pier.
- Chao Phraya River: take a river cruise to see the temple lit up at night.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Bangkok: riverside hotels give you the best views of Wat Arun.
- Get a Thailand eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is Bangkok’s riverside icon, famous for its porcelain-covered prang and its sunset views across the Chao Phraya. It takes about an hour to visit and is just a short ferry ride from the old town.
Cross back to see the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, then visit the Grand Palace nearby.
