Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
4.5
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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See what travelers are saying
- rz0dcrSheffield, United Kingdom340 contributionsGreat Place to visitThis was the first attraction we visited in Bangkok, we approached it via one of the many boats available. It was busy but you could still take photos, it worth noting you can’t take photos in the temple but for me there whole architecture of the temple is better. I think we were here no longer than 1.5 hrs before moving on.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 9, 2023
- AethelredCambridge, Massachusetts1,387 contributionsThis is a working temple!And an important one at that, with a strong intellectual presence and past. The Chinese-inspired buildings and ceramics are stunning, but tourists here, especially farangs, are just optional extras and should show some respect and decency - also in reviews. Guys, you're just tolerated here; live up to it.Visited September 2023Traveled on businessWritten October 20, 2023
- Dave CSingapore, Singapore45 contributionsInclude in ur itineraryWe came here after the prachat duck noodles . We took tutu (40bht) to the Thai pier, only to realise it costs us 2200bht to take a boat from this Thai pier. Then we took tutu again ( same driver to Wat Arun (400bht). Wat Arun is partly under renovation. Similar to Thai Palace n other places of interest. Many people has rented the Thai costumes to take pix ( price range from 150bht ..). Worth to include in ur itinerary.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 24, 2023
- SharonTiewMalaysia56 contributionsAmazing Wat ArunMust visit place when you’re in Bangkok. So it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in learning about Thai culture. The temple is absolutely beautiful and the grounds very clean. Ticket is 100 Thai baht and included a free bottle drinking water. You should be done within an hour including taking pictures. Looks better at night. You can rent the Thai transitional clothes in front of the temple for only 150-250 baht. I’d definitely recommend checking out Wat Arun. ขอบคุณมาก khàawp-khun mâak ná khráp ☺️Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 14, 2023
- amit_senNew Delhi, India145 contributionsAmazing Structure!Definitely worth a visit. Amazing structure. Have to cross phraya river to enter temple. Even though we went on weekday it was very crowded. Can rent traditional thai clothes and take pictures.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 29, 2023
- WikumjRedhill, United Kingdom433 contributionsBeautiful, don't skip thisAfter What Pho and Wat Pho Kaew (on the other side of the river) this is the third best temple in Bangkok. If you're efficient with time all three sites can be seen in one day as they are quite close by to each other. You cross the river by ferry which is quite fun in itself, and then the temple itself is incredibly beautiful and well preserved, in excellent condition and with vivid colours. Not as large as the other big temple sites, this can be seen in about an hour (not including the boat trip)Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 3, 2023
- TomHogg389 contributionsTake the boat over the Chao Phraya river to explore this templeA popular place where many Thai and foreign tourist rent traditional Thai cloths to fit into the atmosphere of the temple of the dawn. An impressive 82 meters high construction with walkways around the construction. High steps to climb that could be tough for the less agile. Interesting to watch both temple and Thai dressed touristsVisited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 19, 2023
- ykiran77Dubai, United Arab Emirates467 contributionsWat ArunWat Arun temple is very good Buddhist holy place located next to river bank. From 17th century, still well preserved. 100 Baht entry fees. Free water bottle available inside the temple.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 25, 2023
- Henry DouglasMoberly, Missouri93 contributionsMasterpiece of Architecture!!!When you see the light reflecting off Wat Arun you will then understand why they call it the temple of dawn. A true masterpiece of Asian architecture. Along with Wat Pho and the ancient city of Ayutthaya scribble down Wat Arun on your bucket list. It will not disappoint. Stunning views and great photo opportunities await!Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 3, 2024
- tsai2009Orange County, California565 contributionsBeautiful n FunBeautiful temple where is the Thai soap 「Love Destiny」backdrop, which started the trend to wear traditional thai outfit to take lots photos there. we picked Mahasane Costume to pick our outfit, make up n hair are also a must to include. price is great, hired a photographer is recommend, you will not regret.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 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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ciarbucks
Las Vegas, NV235 contributions
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.
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, UK3,821 contributions
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
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
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
- @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
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, CA758 contributions
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, UK2,592 contributions
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.
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.
Wira
Lantau Island, China9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
A Beautiful, serene and oldest Temple complex in Bangkok area.
Take Saphan Taksin BTS station and walk towards the central pier to access the boat service. You can either take the public boat which depends on the time of the year might be a long wait. Cost THB 20 per person or take the private option at THB 100 one way or THB 200 for Hop on Hop off.
Take Saphan Taksin BTS station and walk towards the central pier to access the boat service. You can either take the public boat which depends on the time of the year might be a long wait. Cost THB 20 per person or take the private option at THB 100 one way or THB 200 for Hop on Hop off.
Written January 29, 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.
JayRae1
Glasgow, UK1,603 contributions
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.
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fransisca
Jakarta, Indonesia5 contributions
Jan 2020
After you go to The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, ypu must see Wat Arun. Located near The Grand Palace, 10 minutes walk, and take a boat to the other side (price 4 bath).
Wat Arun stands as arguably the most stunning temple in Bangkok because of its riverside location and its dazzling design. Visitors are welcome to climb up to the middle level of the grand pagoda and those that do are rewarded with a beautiful view of the winding Chao Phraya River.
Admission Price 50 bath, cheaper than The Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Wat Arun Ratchawararam meaning Temple of Dawn, the scenery is very beuatifull in sunset, you can enjoy it in Yodpiman River Walk, there are many restaurants that have a direct view to Wat Arun.
Wat Arun stands as arguably the most stunning temple in Bangkok because of its riverside location and its dazzling design. Visitors are welcome to climb up to the middle level of the grand pagoda and those that do are rewarded with a beautiful view of the winding Chao Phraya River.
Admission Price 50 bath, cheaper than The Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Wat Arun Ratchawararam meaning Temple of Dawn, the scenery is very beuatifull in sunset, you can enjoy it in Yodpiman River Walk, there are many restaurants that have a direct view to Wat Arun.
Written January 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.
Is Wat Arun open from 4 to 6 May?
It is Bangkok Coronation holiday on 4 and 6 May.
Written May 1, 2024
When I try to register to get tickets online, it doesn't work. Was anyone able to get tickets online? Is it fine to get them day-of? We're going during the busy season.
Written August 25, 2023
Hi. I have been twice recently and I bought tickets both times on the day at Wat Arun itself without any problem. They gave me a small bottle of water with each ticket.
Written September 8, 2023
Yes , there's an entrance fee for visiting the temple, as I remember it was about 100 Bht.
If you don't have a proper dress you can rent a sarong at the entrance of the temple.
Going there Early in the morning is highly recommended.
Written May 30, 2020
Welche Fähnchenfarbe haben die öffentlichen Boote zur Überfahrt zum Wat Arun, die 4 TBH kosten?
Written January 26, 2020
Blaue Fahnen sind die hop on hop of Boote. Die Orangen sind die einfachen Fahrten für 4 bht.
Written January 28, 2020
Hi, is Wat Arun open on 1st January? Thanks.
Written December 31, 2019
how to go by subway? is sanam Chai better or itsaraphap better?
Written December 9, 2019
most people go to Wat Arun using water transportation. so better to take BTS to Saphan Taksin. Then from Saphan Taksin pier, just take a boat (there are many options, the premium one or the public transport you can choose) they will stop at Wat Arun.
Written December 10, 2019
It will be open on February 9, 2020 (Makha Bucha)?
Written October 30, 2019
Sinto muito! Não sei lhe responder esta dúvida.
Written October 31, 2019
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