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Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
4.5
Religious SitesChurches & Cathedrals
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.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Neighborhood: Riverside
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  • Justin W
    Paris, France17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A treasure in the history of world architecture! 👍
    The architectural style is unique, exquisite and elegant! The exit is the pier, which is convenient for taking the ferry. It is also opposite to the Internet celebrity wine bar restaurant to watch the beautiful night view of the temple lighting. Be sure to rent a set of traditional Thai clothes at the entrance to experience the local customs and folk customs, and take beautiful photos! It is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in many tourist attractions around the world! Worth recommending! 🥰
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 25, 2024
  • DMVEAL
    Liskeard, United Kingdom1,097 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best view is at night from the river or riverside.
    I think like a lot of monuments they look better when admired at a distance. It’s crowded and popular and so I I think the best option is a Quick Look round but see from the river at night. I did like it though. It’s worth a visit undoubtedly and a great as t place.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 28, 2024
  • Davidjellis
    Lowestoft, United Kingdom9,510 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wat Arun was one of the highlights of my visit to Bangkok - Pretty temple complex by the river.
    I visited Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) as part of a cruise ship excursion visiting the top sights in Bangkok. I really enjoyed my stop here. We had about an hour which was enough time to admire the beautiful temple spires that make up this religious site, which apparently is the most photographed of all the temples in the city. The temple is located right alongside the river and we arrived there by boat. A ferry runs between Wat Arun and the Wat Pho complex the opposite side of the river. It was very busy there but that didn't distract from the beauty of the site, and it was curious to watch all the locals in their finest dress and wedding outfits posing with their parasols for photos. Not sure if that happens every day or just because we were visiting on a Sunday but it was fascinating to see. If you want to shop, there is a local market that runs along one side of the site with very affordable gifts, magnets, etc. Wat Arun was one of the highlights of my visit to Bangkok.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written January 29, 2024
  • Amandus A
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fine architectural arts from ancient times
    Wat Arun is the most remarkable ancient temple in Thailand to me. The sophistication of decorations and the intricate structure of the main building bring all the visitors in awe. I would strongly recommend tourists to pay a visit on a sunny day as the blue sky forms fantastic contrast with the white porcelains on the stupa.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 17, 2024
  • HMKaren
    Los Angeles, California1,354 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredibly beautiful!! A favorite in Bangkok!
    Wow, Wat Arun is one place I will never forget, it is that beautiful. Cheap too, only 100 Baht ($3). You can use the hop on hop off boats to get across the river to it, or a Grab driver can get you there no problem. The temple has the same sort of amazing architecture as many of the buildings at the Grand Palace or Wat Phra Chetuphon (2 other Bangkok favorites). The textures and colors were spectacular. Plus, you get to climb this one! Not all the way up, the narrow steps to single towers are off limits. But you get to climb the lower levels and explore. Plus, many Thai people put on traditional Thai dress for photos, so you get to see some gorgeous clothing too. (There is a little shop by the entrance that rents it.) At night the temple glows golden, one of the most eye catching and beautiful things on the river. Stunning. Don't miss this remarkable place!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 18, 2024
  • Talia Charmant
    Brussels, Belgium18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wat Arun blew me away with its architecture
    For me, Wat Arun is a must-visit destination in Bangkok. Beautiful architecture, prime location, visible from the Chao Phraya River. I was particularly impressed by the architecture of this temple, different from previous temples I had seen. Under the sunlight, the temple seemed to shine in the ancient space.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 25, 2024
  • janesT9064XN
    Kyoto Prefecture, Japan44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely place to visit
    A different type of building structure to the other places we visited. It was amazing to see and so many people dressed up in traditional Thai clothes that can be hired in the market on the site. Go early to avoid the crowds.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 28, 2024
  • MrMrsHappyR
    Liverpool, United Kingdom1,474 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    Incredibly beautiful temple with unique carved figures throughout it's exterior. As soon as you enter the gates you need to have knees and shoulders covered. You are fine with T Shirt as long as you can't see armpits or shoulders. They sell elephant pants for 200 baht. You only have to take your shoes off if you enter the tiny temple bit. Get here as early as you can as there is no breeze and it's a lot cooler
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 29, 2024
  • Karoli24
    714 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic monument
    This time I visited the Wat in the evening. It is closed in the darkness but you can make pretty pictures and there is a great silent atmosphere without hundreds of tourists. I enjoyed this time in the evening as much as you visit the whole area during the day.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written March 2, 2024
  • Misojosdelmundo
    Bogota, Colombia607 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unmissable and very instamable
    It is a magical place Really very beautiful and full of details in every corner. In addition to the wonderful buildings and statues, it is spectacular to see Thais in their traditional costumes go to this place for photo sessions, which gives it a very special atmosphere. Admission includes a small bottle of water From here you can go to the Grand Palace by boat and the journey takes less than 10 minutes
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

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Guy T
London, UK704 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Krubee
Singapore, Singapore700 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

HOOMAN
Tehran, Iran1,204 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ciarbucks
Las Vegas, NV235 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Life traveller
North East England, UK3,845 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
My Thai hosts took me on a trip down the Chao Phraya River by river taxi - very cheap, if you can distinguish them from the more expensive, tourist boats. I am sure the best way to approach Wat Arun is from the river, as you see its gleaming spires from afar. It was mighty hot when we were there - over 40%, and the Sunday crowds were searching for shade, as were we! The steps can be pretty steep, and the sun reflects brightly off the white and brightly painted glazed walls of the temple. It only costs 50 baht to enter what is probably the most iconic Buddhist temple in Bangkok, 250 years old and still in excellent condition. A must see, and approach from the river, if you can!
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3,750 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WanderingWithUsTwo
Phoenix, AZ796 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sam S
Melbourne, Australia156 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Not much to say about this stunning temple except that, boasting gorgeous architecture and lovely river views, it is definitely worth a visit. I arrived by train and on foot - the temple can be reached by an approximately 1.2km walk from Itsaraphap MRT Station, located on the Blue Line. I left by boat, which was incredibly cheap and conveniently dropped me at Wat Pho by the Grand Palace on the opposite side of the river. I recommend visiting around or shortly before sunset, as in my opinion it lends an even more picturesque quality to an already stunning piece of architecture. Make sure you put it on your must-see list!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kaymtravel7
Los Angeles, CA757 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019 • Friends
This is smaller than the temples in and around the Grand Palace, but it is so peaceful and extremely beautiful inside, that I encourage you to visit if you have time. You must cross a river with a ferry / boat to get there, which is very inexpensive, and was not too difficult to find. It is walkable from the Grand Palace, but not right next-door. You must take your shoes off to enter the temple. It was an active, working temple with monks praying and doing things in and around it. We got stuck on the premises during a huge monsoon, and everyone was very gracious to let us wait it out.
Written April 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alex H
Port St. Mary, UK2,591 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited here after walking for about 20 mins from Kao San area and getting the ferry across, which is cheap.
Entry to Wat Arun is 50 Baht at time of writing, but I think this is going up to 100 Baht during 2020.
It is much quieter than the Grand Palace and it takes around 30 mins to walk around completely.
We did it during the day at around 9:30am.
Architecturally it is absolutely fantastic to see, and some of the paintings of various stones and art work really is brilliant.
I’m sure this place means a lot to some people who we saw praying. We didn’t obviously feel the same appreciation probably because we aren’t religious, however we could certainly appreciate others’ love for Wat Arun.
Tips - bring water as expensive nearby, and wear long pants for both men and women.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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