About Wat Arun
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, stands majestically on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. Named after Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, this 17th-century temple features an 82-meter central prang (Khmer-style tower) encrusted with millions of colorful Chinese porcelain fragments and seashells. One of Bangkok's most photographed landmarks, Wat Arun is best viewed at sunset from across the river, though climbing its steep steps rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and river. Pair this stop with the Bangkok guide and the wider Thailand overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon (4-6 PM) for cooler weather and sunset light
- Photography: View from across river at sunset (6-7 PM) for iconic silhouette shots
- River ferry timing: Runs until 8 PM from Tha Tien pier
- Plan for: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on climbing and photography
💰 Costs
- Temple entrance: 100 THB ($3 USD)
- River ferry: 5 THB from Tha Tien pier (near Wat Pho)
- Longtail boat tour: 300-500 THB per person (includes multiple temples)
- Group tour with guide: 800-1,200 THB per person (combined with other temples)
- Private guide: 1,500-2,500 THB for up to 4 people (entrance and ferry separate)
Combine visits: Most guides pair Wat Arun with Grand Palace and Wat Pho for efficient temple tour day.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Architectural history: Understand Khmer-influenced design, symbolic meaning of prang tiers (Mount Meru)
- Porcelain craftsmanship: Learn about decorative technique using broken Chinese porcelain from ballast ships
- Hindu-Buddhist fusion: Guides explain Aruna mythology, demon and monkey guardian statues
- River context: Understand temple's strategic position, royal barge ceremonies, river life
- Photography expertise: Best angles from temple and across river, optimal timing for light
- Efficient routing: Coordinate ferry timing with other temples, avoid tourist bottlenecks
✨ Don't Miss
- 🗼 Central prang climb - Steep stairs (70-degree angle) lead to platform with panoramic river views
- ✨ Porcelain mosaic details - Millions of colorful seashells and Chinese porcelain create intricate floral patterns
- 👹 Demon and monkey guardians - Ramakien characters supporting each tier of the prang
- 🛕 Four satellite prangs - Smaller towers at corners representing four continents around Mount Meru
- 🌊 River views - See Grand Palace, Wat Pho, royal barges from elevated platforms
- 🎨 Ordination hall murals - Life of Buddha scenes in main bot (chapel) building
- 🌅 Sunset silhouette - View from opposite riverbank (Tha Tien area) for iconic photo
- 🚢 Royal barge museum - Nearby museum houses ornate ceremonial boats (guides arrange visit)
📝 Practical Tips
- Steep climbing: Prang stairs are extremely steep (70°) with narrow steps - not for those with mobility issues or fear of heights
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees - enforcement usually relaxed but respect appreciated
- Proper footwear: Remove shoes before entering bot, but wear secure shoes for climbing prang steps
- River ferry: Cheapest way across (5 THB) from Tha Tien pier - frequent departures, scenic ride
- Sunset viewing: Best photos taken from east bank (Wat Pho side) as sun sets behind temple
- Crowds: Fewer tourists than Grand Palace/Wat Pho - more peaceful experience
- Photography: Allowed throughout temple, sunrise/sunset light makes porcelain sparkle
- Combine efficiently: Do Grand Palace and Wat Pho morning, ferry to Wat Arun afternoon, watch sunset