Asia
Thailand
Bangkok
Things to Do in Bangkok
Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun), Bangkok: Hours, Address, Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun) Reviews: 4.5/5

See all things to do

Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)

See all things to do
See all things to do
Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
4.5
21,052
#3 of 741 things to do in Bangkok
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Read more
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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
About
This temple is considered to be the most famous and photographed temple in Bangkok, which features a soaring 70-meter-high spire decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
See all
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Riverside
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,925 within 3 miles
All Meals Sawasdee
325
0.2 mi$ • International • Asian • Thai
The Sixth
399
0.2 mi$ • International • Asian • Thai
Tang Heng Kee
198
0.2 mi$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Amorosa Bar
302
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar
Home Cafe Tha Tien
532
0.2 mi$ • Cafe • Asian • Thai
Ama
788
0.2 mi$ • Asian • Thai • Healthy
The Deck Restaurant
2,228
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Asian • Wine Bar
Jin Chieng Seng by Inn A Day
738
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Baan ThaTien Cafe
322
0.2 mi$ • Cafe • Asian • Thai
Eagle Nest Bar
304
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar
See all
Attractions
516 within 6 miles
Wat Phra Chetuphon
50,939
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
The Grand Palace
35,531
0.5 miHistoric Sites
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
16,004
0.6 miReligious Sites
Museum of Siam
486
0.3 miSpeciality Museums
Wat Phraya Tham
6
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Ton Son Mosque
10
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
The Chakri Group (Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat)
360
0.6 miHistoric Sites • Castles
Wat Hong Rattanaram
8
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)
983
0.5 miFlea & Street Markets
Baan Kudichin Museum
27
0.4 miHistory Museums
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
21,052 reviews
Excellent
11,438
Very good
6,924
Average
2,256
Poor
338
Terrible
96
Guy T
London, UK680 contributions
Great place - go by ferry from the Grand Palace
Feb 2020 • Couples
Wat Arun

Temple, temple and more temples. It’s what you come to Thailand for & this one is just as beautiful as the rest.

To get there the tourist boat stops outside of there is a little ferry boat (4 baht per person) which shuttles people from one side of the river to the other.

We went later on in the day about 1600 and it was really nice to wander round. There isn’t anywhere to go inside but you can climb onto it and walk all the way round. It didn’t take us very long at all to take some photos and get round it.

We would definitely recommend coming back at night as you can get a cracking views and it’s lit up beautifully. The little restaurants and bars on the opposite side of the river to it are some of the best places to see it from.

It’s definitely one to see but if you are short on time you can see it from the river or from the other side you wouldn’t necessarily be missing out but not stopping and climbing onto it.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Krubee
Singapore, Singapore506 contributions
Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn
Jan 2020
This is 4th time to step foot on one of the world's most beautiful temples set on the bank of the mighty Chao Praya River. The temple is beautiful specially during sunset and well illuminated bright orange at night. Built in the 17th century and named after Hindu God Aruna. Located in the Thonburi district of the Chao Praya River, you can go here via land transport but for me the best and the fastest way is via boat. Take the BTS and alight at Saphan Taksin station. From here you could take several types of boat but if you're a tourist the most practical way is to take the Chao Praya tourist boat for just 200 Baht, they can take you to different famous landmarks in the Chao Praya river including this beautiful temple. The main feature of the temple is its central tower, Khmer style prang standing about 85 m. It is surrounded by 4 smaller prangs. Made of Porcelain from China, glasses and seashells radiating vibrant white color specially during the day. Khon Guardians also are intricately carved like holding the layers of the temple. Unlike other temples in Thailand, this is a unique design. Ticket for the temple is around 50 baht and it is not too big. Strict dress code is implemented since this is an active Buddhist temple and a Holy ground. It will take you about an hour including your beautiful photos and videos to visit and marvel at the temple itself. The temple has many layers but we've been only up to the 2nd one. Please be mindful the steps are a bit small and steep typical of Khmer architecture. For persons with disability they may not be able to go to the 2nd platform. You can even go further up if you would like to be on the top. Beside the temple is the equally beautiful Ordination hall which has a Buddha statue inside designed by King Rama II. And surrounding the temple is its beautiful park with the monument of King Rama II and it is also a perfect spot to take a panoramic and landmark shot from the base of the temple. Opposite side of the temple across the river there's a boat that could take you to Wat Pho, Temple of Reclining Buddha (separate review). There are many restaurants, cafe and hotels opposite the temple with the grandest view of it. I personally tried eating at Sala Arun with an impeccable view of the temple and it is one of the best moments I had here in Bangkok - such beautiful and relaxing atmosphere indeed.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ThaiTrav.com
Bangkok, Thailand94 contributions
An extraordinary temple, different in style.
Oct 2020
Wat Arun is located west bank of Chao Phraya river. You can easily see it from the east side (Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho are on the east side)

If you come from Wat Phra Kaew, you can take a riverboat from Tha Tian pier to Wat Arun pier. The ticket is only 4 baht!!!

An extraordinary temple because of its style and well-decorated huge spire. The design is quite different from other temples. A colorfully decorated spire rises over 70 meters high standing by the riverside.

Besides the name of the temple, the most beautiful moment is the sunset view. Watching the spire at sunset on the other side of the river is one of the best views you can have in Bangkok.

The ticket cost 50 baht and a strict dress code applies
Written March 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HOOMAN
Tehran, Iran1,187 contributions
First Rays of the Sun!
Apr 2019
Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok (west bank of the Chao Phraya River). The Temple of the Dawn towering over the Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok’s most visually striking landmarks and also one of Thailand’s top attractions. The temple was built in 17th century in the era of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The temple’s name has taken from the Hindu god “Aruna”.
The temple’s central prang stands 79 meters tall and is decorated with tiny pieces of colored glittery glass. The first rays of the morning sun in Bangkok appear on the surface of the temple vividly.
If you don’t want to be stuck in the crowd and you want to take full pleasure of the sunrise in the temple go there as soon as possible. You must wear respectable clothes for entering the holy temple, otherwise you have to pay money to borrow suitable clothes from the temple’s entrance.
Wat Arun can be easily accessed through the Chao Phraya River by taxi boats which travel across the river. If you take a longtail boat tour for visiting Bangkok, you can see both Wat Arun and Bangkok’s other top attractions such as Chinatown, Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace and the Wat Pho, as you cruising the Chao Phraya River. Visiting of this really magnificent temple is highly recommended.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JoeCrusoeTravels
Luzon, Philippines80 contributions
I was shocked!!!
Jan 2022 • Solo
To reach this amazing place, you have to take a ferry ride from Sathorn Pier (easily accessible via BTS Saphan Taksin Station).

The ferry ride costs 30 Baht and you will be dropped off at Wat Arun while the entrance fee for foreign tourists is 100 Baht. Thai locals do not need to pay.

I was shookt by how beautiful and majestic this place is. The place is unlike others that I have seen before. It looks like the ones you see in the movies 👏🏼👏🏼

It has huge area where you can roam around and even enter temples where you can see massive Buddha structures

Remember to pay respect as these statues are considered holy by Thais. And also, don't forget to give donations whenever you can 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Written January 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WanderingWithUsTwo
Phoenix, AZ690 contributions
Such intricate details
Jul 2019
In Thai the word Wat translates to temple and Arun means dawn. Thus this temple is known in English as the Temple of Dawn. This is a very popular attraction for many tourists along with the Grand Palace which is located directly across the river from Wat Arun by downtown Bangkok. To get to Wat Arun you will need to board a ferry to take you across the river. The easiest way to get to one would be to board the Bangkok Transit System (BTS) and get off on the Saphan Taksin ferry stop. From there it is around 25 minutes via boat to Wat Arun with some stops along the way. There will be signs at the dock listing tourist boats but beware that many will try to overcharge. For two individuals you shouldn’t pay more than 100 THB one way. If you choose to board at a different location they may charge upwards of 350 THB per person in locations near the Grand Palace. If you are near there we suggest walking down 10 minutes to the Tha Thien ferry station and pay 4 THB per person instead. Once you arrive you will purchase an entry ticket for 50 THB and if you are not dressed properly they will allow you to rent a sarong for 20 THB with a 100 THB refundable deposit. Generally you should wear long pants and avoid showing open shoulders but they can be lenient at times. Once inside you are free to roam around but there will be security there who will warn you if you are doing something you aren’t supposed to. This is mainly to protect the temple as many people tend to climb on the structures to get a good picture. We highly advise visiting here especially If you are torn between this and the Grand Palace.
- @wanderingwithustwo
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ciarbucks
Las Vegas, NV231 contributions
Magical
Feb 2020
Like most other temples in Thailand, please dress appropriately with long pants and tops that cover your shoulders! If you do not, they will refuse your entrance into the temple. However, there are many shops at the ferry dock and before the temple grounds in case you forget. However, I think it's always better to be prepared!

After a short walk from the Grand Palace (around 15-20 minutes), you take a ferry to the temple. Ferry prices are around 4 THB/person. This ferry ride takes no longer than 5-10 minutes. At the temple, entrance fees are 100 THB per person (but I read a sign that stated the fee will be increased to 200 THB per person on June 2020).

Once you go in, it is an absolutely magical experience. The architecture is amazing. Visitors are able to climb up to the lower portion of the wat to see the architecture up close. However, be careful! The steps are very steep. I suggest going as early as possible to avoid the baking sun and crowds as much as possible. We were there before noon and it was already becoming very, VERY crowded. However, seeing this temple from up close is worth all the sweatiness and crowds we endured.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3,134 contributions
Icon of Thailand; My Favorite Temple
Mar 2019
Prominently located on the Chao Phraya River, with its image on the reverse of the 10 Baht coin, this is my favorite temple in Thailand. Referred to as the Temple of Dawn, both sunrise and sunset plays beautifully off the light colored surface. Following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1768, King Taksin felt that this would be the perfect location for the new capital upon encountering the old temple "Wat Magog". He renamed it "Wat Jaeng" (Temple of Dawn); which King Rama IV renamed Wat Arunratchawararam; now simply: "Wat Arun". The Emerald Buddha was housed here until both the capital and the Emerald Buddha were later relocated to the far safer Rattanakosin Island, directly across the river. The spires (prang) were added in the early 19th century. There are several buildings to tour here with exquisite tiles and gold details, but the main "Wat" does require a small fee. This is a Buddhist Temple, so observe the dress code with men in long pants and shirts with sleeves. Women should have their shoulders covered, as well as their knees. There are numerous shopping stalls in the area for clothing and gifts, as well as places to grab a snack or refreshment. Arrive early to beat the crowds. The grounds are lovely to explore, or you could even rent a traditional Thai outfit for a photograph before one of the buildings. Easy to access by river ferry from Rattanakosin (Old City), or by public river boat. Do also view Wat Arun when it is illuminated at night, as it is absolutely stunning!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JayRae1
Glasgow, UK1,546 contributions
Stunning by day and by night
Jul 2020
Wat Arun, is a 'must see' for anyone visiting Bangkok. My wife and I visited as part of an "Introduction to Bangkok" Tour, operated by Exo Travel Thailand. We pre-booked this with our Travel Agent, Trailfinders, prior to leaving the UK and that was worth doing. Our guide picked us up at our hotel and took us around the city, using various modes of transport, and visiting all of the most important sightseeing places. His knowledge of every place visited was invaluable, and saved us having to stop regularly to read up on the history of each place.

Although the central Prang is stunning, and the main feature in Wat Arun, there are other parts worth seeing. such as the main Chapel and the Ordination Hall. Wat Arun is normally visited during daylight hours, it is worth returning at night, if only to take photos when it is lit up. My wife and I were able to do that, as we booked a second tour, also with Exo, that included 'Bangkok by Night' and a riverside dinner. This gave us the chance to take photos in both daylight and nighttime and I will upload photos of both.

This is why going with a knowledgeable guide is such an advantage, as the names and history of each part are explained to you, saving invaluable time if you wish to visit other popular sights on the same day.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MissL219
Essex, UK1,457 contributions
Beautiful
Jan 2020 • Couples
The temple is about 15 mins walk from Itsaraphap metro station. The entry fee is about 100bht and you must be dressed modestly.
I would recommend going early before tour groups arrive and before it gets too hot as it will give you enough time to wander and enjoy the views.
Written January 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 11,207
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun) is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 268 Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun) tours on Tripadvisor
Hotels near Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun): View all hotels near Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun) on Tripadvisor