Wat Arun
Porcelain-covered prang across the river from Wat Pho, quietest in the early afternoon, though the heat on those grounds is brutal.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–18:00
- Entry
- ฿200
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
How to visit Wat Arun
Wat Arun is easy on your own, a ฿5 ferry across the river from Wat Pho. Go in the early afternoon, when it's quieter than the morning.
On your own
Entry is ฿200, cash. You can climb the first two terraces of the 70-meter prang, which is studded with broken Chinese porcelain, and they're steep enough that you'll want the handrail. The view back across the river to Wat Pho and the palace is the classic Bangkok photo. Sarongs are ฿20 at the gate, and the morning is when every river tour docks at once.
With a guide
SponsoredGrand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Guided Tour
It covers the same three temples our Bangkok itineraries put in one day, in the same order, with a guide explaining the murals and halls.
See this tour on GetYourGuide
Details
- Address
- 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
- Phone
- +66 2 891 2185
Full opening hours
Why go, and how to do it well
Go in the early afternoon. The morning is when every river tour docks at once, and the crowds thin out after lunch. The central prang is covered in thousands of fragments of Chinese porcelain, and the whole thing changes as the light moves across it. The catch is the heat. The grounds are largely unshaded and the sun bounces straight back off all that white porcelain, and reviewers describe the afternoon as being in an oven. I believe them, so bring a hat.
It's not a big site. Most people are done in about 90 minutes, including the climb partway up the prang for a view over the Chao Phraya and the city behind it. Tickets have been going for 200 baht and come with a small bottle of water, which tells you something about the conditions. Costume rental shops sit nearby if you want the photos. Shoulders and knees covered, as at any working temple, and sarongs are ฿20 at the gate.
It's open daily 08:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30. There's a pier right at the temple, so the ฿5 cross-river ferry from Tha Tien or a hop on the orange, blue or green flag boats is easier than a taxi. That makes Wat Pho and Wat Arun an easy pair, Wat Pho in the morning and Wat Arun after lunch.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Arun
SponsoredSearch Bangkok hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Wat ArunOpens Booking.com with your dates
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Arun, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 2 minPhra Racha Wang Derm (Thonburi Palace)Temples & Culture · 180 m · 4.6★
- 4 minWat Arun Viewing PointTemples & Culture · 290 m · 4.6★
- 4 minTha Tien PierTransportation · 300 m · 4.4★
- 4 minPublic View PointActivities & Tours · 320 m · 4.7★
- 4 minMake Me Mango Tha TianRestaurants & Food · 340 m · 4.7★
- 4 minRONGROSRestaurants & Food · 360 m · 4.7★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Arun, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Visiting Wat Arun was a highlight of my trip to Bangkok, though I’ll be honest—the heat was absolutely intense. Walking through the temple grounds in the afternoon felt like being in an oven, and the sun reflecting off the white porcelain didn't make it any cooler! Despite the sweat and the crowds, there is an undeniable spiritual energy there that makes you stop in your tracks. The craftsmanship is simply breathtaking. Seeing the intricate details of the colorful porcelain up close made me realize how much love and history is baked into every inch of the "Temple of Dawn." It felt like standing inside a giant, ancient piece of art. Even though I was exhausted from the temperature, looking up at the towering prang (spires) gave me a sense of peace that I didn't expect to find in such a busy city. My best advice? If the heat gets to be too much, head to the other side of the river bank. We found a small spot across the water just as the sun began to set, and the view was magical. It’s the perfect place to snap those "postcard" photos without the midday sun beating down on you. Seeing the temple silhouette against the orange sky was a deeply emotional moment for me—it was one of those times where you just feel lucky to be alive and traveling.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam is a magnificent temple and one I love visiting every time I’m in Thailand. Its intricate architecture, combined with the scenic riverside surroundings, makes it truly special. The detailed craftsmanship on the temple towers is stunning, especially in natural light. The temple is easy to reach by boat across the river or by taxi/cab. I highly recommend visiting early to avoid crowds and the heat. For a memorable experience, consider renting a traditional Thai costume nearby and walking around the temple — it adds charm and makes for great photos. The entry fee is reasonable and valid for the entire day.
One od the many huge and beautiful temples in Bangkok. It’s relatively small compared to other and we finished the tour in about 1,5h. You get small water bottle with each ticket and i think that’s awesome, especially in this Thai heat. In some places it can get crowded. Ticket was 200baht. Directly at the tempe is boat pier so the best way to get by far is the boat. Green, blue flag and hop on boat.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 45,132 reviews on Google.
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 8-minute walk of Wat Arun.
Phra Racha Wang Derm (Thonburi Palace)
Wat Arun Viewing Point
Wat Pho
Museum Siam
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat Arun: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Arun worth visiting?
Wat Arun holds a 4.7★ rating from 45,132 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of Wat Arun?
Wat Arun is typically open 08:00–18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Arun?
The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).
Where is Wat Arun located?
Wat Arun is at 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
Also popular in Bangkok
Asiatique The Riverfront
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Thai Garden Massage
Kin Lom Chom Saphan
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Suwannakiri Khet (Wat Karon)
Wat Khongkha Phimuk
