Also known as the ‘Temple of Dawn’, Bangkok’s Wat Arun is a must-visit, if you’re touring the city’s most iconic temples and shrines. Standing tall against the sky, this majestic temple looks its best when bathed in the golden glow of the sun, at dawn or sunset – a sight so grand you can’t take your eyes off it.
Reaching the Temple
Wat Arun is located on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok, so you’ll need to reach the Tha Tien Pier then take a ferry across the river. From there it’s just a quick walk to the temple. The journey to the temple is most convenient if you’re based nearby at the likes of NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard or any other Bangkok hotels near Nana BTS.
Timing Your Visit
The temple is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, but the best time to visit is in the evening when the sun begins to set and the sky around the temple takes on a golden hue. But make sure to time it right – tickets aren’t sold after 5.30.
Entrance Fee & Dress Code
There is an entrance fee for foreign visitors, which amounts to around TBH 100 per individual, while local visitors have free admission. All visitors are required to dress in conservative clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, as this is an important religious site.
Captivating Sights
You’ll first encounter the temple’s garden, where many bonsai trees, statues, and traditional thai buildings create a serene atmosphere. But it’s the temple’s architecture that really gets your attention. Its central spire in particular is hard to miss, covered in numerous ceramic tiles and seashells that give it a glistening look in the sunlight.
