Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn, Bangkok, Thailand
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Wat Arun, Bangkok: Guide to the Temple of Dawn!

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Wat Arun, Bangkok: Guide to the Temple of Dawn!

Wat Arun in Bangkok, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, is located on the western side of the Chao Phraya River. Due to its amazingly beautiful architecture and the most iconic location right on the river, a visit is a must-do on every Bangkok trip. Besides that, also the boat ride for getting there is overwhelmingly beautiful and a unique Bangkok experience. Particularly picturesque are the towers, which are about 70 meters high and have a striking effect on the image of the river. At night, the illumination of the towers is truly dreamlike. For Bangkok connoisseurs, a visit to Wat Arun is one of the best things to do in Bangkok and should be high up on your list of must-do’s. But what are the best tips for Wat Arun in Bangkok, and what can you expect when you go there?

In this travel guide, we give you all the important information about Wat Arun, how to get there, costs and opening hours. Of course, we share our experiences, give you useful tips and show you the most beautiful pictures of this temple jewel.

Good to know!

A visit to Wat Arun is worthwhile in any case, because it counts to the most interesting and absolutely the best temples in Bangkok.

Right in the surroundings of Wat Arun there are some of the best places to stay in Bangkok. Very recommendable is the small, lovely Hotel Sala Arun with a cool café, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the temple.

When visiting Wat Arun you should make sure to dress appropriately. The dress code states that knees and shoulders must be covered! However, open shoes and flip-flops are allowed.

Wat Arun

General Information about Wat Arun

The official, full name of this temple is actually Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamaha Wihan. Locals and tourists call him, however, always with his short name Wat Arun, or the Temple of the Dawn. It is a royal temple of the First Class and so Wat Arun attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world every year. This beautiful temple complex is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and can be easily reached by ferry or taxi. On the opposite side is the famous Wat Pho and also Wat Phra Khaeo.

The history of Wat Arun dates back to the Ayutthaya era. At that time, this temple was called Wat Makok, translated as the Olive Temple. The name of the present temple was named after Aruna, the Indian god of dawn. That is why it is also called the Temple of Dawn. Architecturally, the temple is modeled after a representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. In the first half of the 19th century, the temple was restored by King Rama II, and the towers, which were only 16 meters high at the time, were raised to about 70 meters.

 

What to do at Wat Arun

For a perfect visit to Wat Arun you should plan some time because the temple area is huge and so there are many beautiful buildings, pavilions, and statues to discover. The best time for a visit is in the morning or late afternoon. At this time, it is most quiet and idyllic.

The Entrance of the Ordination Hall

A particularly great place to take spectacular Wat Arun images is the famous archway with the crown, which is the entrance to the Ubosot. The two gigantic statues, the Yakshas, ​​are beautifully decorated and provide access to the ordination hall of the monks. Go there early, and you will have this scenic area to yourself.

Wat Arun

The Main Temple

This area of ​​the temple complex is considered the holiest part of Wat Arun. Especially the beautiful corridors with the Buddha statues made us fall in love with this lovely temple. Additionally, there are remarkable photo opportunities – no wonder that it is considered to be one of the most Instagrammable places in Bangkok! Another highlight of the temple is the marble-clad courtyard. Numerous Chinese stone sculptures show lions, dragons, warriors, and other mystical figures.

Wat Arun
Temple of Dawn
Temple of Dawn in Bangkok

Tower Phra Prang

Wat Arun is famous for its beautiful Phra Prang. This landmark of Wat Arun is a 70-meter-high temple tower, a stupa-like pagoda. Even from afar, you can see it shining brightly in the midday sun. This white temple is decorated with beautiful mosaics of porcelain and shells, which make up thousands of floral patterns. Steep stairs lead up to the temples, and it’s hard to believe that this dizzying ascent was once allowed to be climbed by visitors. Today, you can still visit the Phra Prang, but climbing the temple is forbidden.

Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun

Sunset at Wat Arun

Wat Arun at sunset – you can hardly experience anything more magical than this temple. Opposite, on the other side of the river, you will find several rooftop bars from where you can admire the best view of the temple. The absolute best view of the Wat Arun for watching the sunset you will definitely have from the roof terrace Eagle Nest in the hotel Sala Arun, one of the best of the rooftop bars in Bangkok. From up there, one can take beautiful pictures of Wat Arun and enjoy the sunset from 6:00 pm. Wat Arun is really outstanding to see at night when the temple is brightly illuminated.

Tip: Non-hotel guests can also visit the Hotel Sala Arun‘s Eagle Nest bar and enjoy arguably the most beautiful view of Wat Arun on the rooftop terrace.

Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar
Wat Arun at Night

Opening Hours & Entrance Fee

The Wat Arun opens daily between 08:00 am to 6:00 pm. The best time for a visit is before 10:00 am because at this time one can count on rather few visitors.

The entrance to Wat Arun is in principle free of charge, however, if one would like to visit the famous temple tower Phra Prang, then an entrance of 100,- Baht per person has to be paid at Wat Arun.

How to get to Wat Arun

This temple is located very centrally near the most important attractions of Bangkok and so the journey to Wat Arun is relatively uncomplicated. The best way is to organize a cab and to get to the Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho.

Afterward, you best take the ferry from the Tha Tien Pier. This ferry takes you to Wat Arun for only 5 Baht. The boat trip does not take long, but it is still a wonderful experience.

 

Guided Tours to Wat Arun

Another option to visit Wat Arun is as part of a guided tour. Bangkok temple tours are becoming more and more popular. They are a great way to see a lot in only one day. Some recommended excursions with stops at other Bangkok highlights can be found on GetYourGuide.

 

Conclusion: The Wat Arun in Bangkok is definitely one of the most beautiful temples in the city and one of the things for what is Thailand famous for. Its architecture, the pretty decorations and the unique location next to the river make this temple a Must-see Temple in Bangkok.

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