Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Hours (Open/Closed) Monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

📍 Location of Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) 🚘 Directions to Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

About Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bangkok. This temple is considered the most famous and photographed temple in the city, boasting a soaring 70-meter-high spire adorned with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. The temple's intricate details and stunning architecture make it a sight to behold.

Visitors can reach Wat Arun by walking from the Kao San area and taking a ferry across the river. The ferry ride is inexpensive and offers a unique perspective of the city. Entry to the temple is 50 Baht, although this may increase in the future. The temple is much quieter than the Grand Palace, and it takes around 30 minutes to walk around completely. The best time to visit is around 9:30 am, when the temple is bathed in the soft morning light.

The temple is not just a tourist attraction, but also a place of worship. Visitors can observe locals praying and expressing their devotion. While not everyone may share the same religious beliefs, the spiritual atmosphere of the temple is something that can be appreciated by all. It is recommended to bring water and wear long pants for both men and women when visiting.

Wat Arun can also be reached by train and on foot. It is approximately a 1.2km walk from Itsaraphap MRT Station, located on the Blue Line. After visiting the temple, visitors can take a boat ride to Wat Pho by the Grand Palace on the opposite side of the river. The boat ride is incredibly cheap and offers lovely river views. It is recommended to visit the temple around or shortly before sunset, as the setting sun lends an even more picturesque quality to the already stunning architecture.

For those who prefer a more serene experience, a day trip to Wat Arun is highly recommended. The temple complex is one of the oldest in the Bangkok area and offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can take the Saphan Taksin BTS station and walk towards the central pier to access the boat service. The public boat service is an affordable option, although there might be a long wait depending on the time of the year. Alternatively, visitors can opt for the private boat service.

Wat Arun is smaller than the temples in and around the Grand Palace, but its peaceful atmosphere and extreme beauty make it worth a visit. To enter the temple, visitors must take off their shoes as a sign of respect. The temple is an active, working temple with monks praying and performing their duties. Despite its popularity among tourists, the temple maintains a serene and respectful atmosphere.

Wat Arun is prominently located on the Chao Phraya River and its image is featured on the reverse of the 10 Baht coin. The temple is a symbol of Thailand's rich history and cultural heritage. The temple was renamed Wat Arunratchawararam by King Rama IV, but is now simply known as Wat Arun. The temple complex includes several buildings adorned with exquisite tiles and gold details. Visitors are required to observe a dress code, with men required to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves, and women required to cover their shoulders and knees. The temple grounds are lovely to explore, and visitors can even rent a traditional Thai outfit for a photograph. The temple is easily accessible by river ferry from Rattanakosin (Old City), or by public river boat. At night, the temple is illuminated, creating a stunning sight that should not be missed.