Wat Arun Bangkok: Temple of Dawn, Sunset Views & Visitor Guide

Top Bangkok temple

The impressive Wat Arun Bangkok, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is also known as the Temple of Dawn Bangkok. Its name comes from the Indian god Aruna, the god of dawn. Many of the most beautiful Wat Arun sunset photos are taken here, making it one of the top Bangkok temples and a popular spot for visitors.

Wat Arun was originally built during the Ayutthaya period and was first called Wat Chaeng. For a time, the famous Emerald Buddha statue was kept at Wat Arun, but today it is housed in Wat Phra Kaew, inside the Grand Palace grounds. Visiting Wat Arun is one of the best things to do in Bangkok for those interested in historic temples in Thailand and cultural landmarks.

Bangkok’s Iconic Prang: Porcelain Mosaic and Wind God

What truly makes this complex stand out is the impressive ‘prang’ – a tower spire measuring 82 meters high and 234 meters wide. If you look closely, you’ll see it’s completely covered with mosaics made from broken Chinese porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles. The story behind this decoration is fascinating: in the early days, Chinese ships used porcelain as ballast, but once they arrived in Bangkok, they no longer needed it and dumped it overboard. This beautiful material was then given a second life, incorporated into this stunning tower spire.

Around the large prang are four smaller ones, each representing a wind direction, topped by the God of the Wind on his horse ‘Pai,’ symbolizing strength and movement, adding vibrancy and meaning to the complex.

Guardians of Wat Arun: The Yakshas at the entrance

We were very impressed by the entrance of Wat Arun. Two guardians stand watch here, known as yakshas — mythical giants from Thai and Buddhist tradition. These imposing figures have tusks, wear heavy armor, and hold meters-long swords. They symbolize strength and protection, meant to keep evil away from the temple grounds.

Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn – Climbing Up

You can climb beautiful Wat Arun temple. The main prang (tower) is about 70 meters high, and while you can’t go all the way to the very top, you can climb up several steep flights of stairs—high enough for some seriously stunning views.

• The steps are steep and narrow, so definitely hold onto the railings. If you’re afraid of heights, it might feel a bit intense going up (and especially down), but take your time—there’s no rush.
• What you see: Once you’re up there, you get a fantastic view over the Chao Phraya River and the city. You’ll spot boats gliding by and get a different angle on Bangkok’s skyline. If you go in the late afternoon, the light is beautiful for photos.
• What to bring: What to bring: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding long skirts or dresses due to the steep steps. Bringing some water is also a good idea.
• Other tip: It can get busy, so if you want to avoid crowds, try going early in the morning or closer to closing time.

Wat Arun: The best spot for stunning sunset photos in Bangkok

You’ve probably seen Wat Arun as one of the most photogenic spots in Bangkok. Especially those shots with a breathtaking sunset really stand out. Want to take a beautiful photo like that yourself? Our tip: don’t stay inside the temple grounds, but head to the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River. From there, you’ll see the sun setting right behind the temple complex—a truly magical view.

Best time to see the sunset behind Wat Arun, Bangkok

The sun sets almost directly behind Wat Arun from mid-February to mid-March, around 6:10–6:30 PM, as viewed from the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.

During this period, the sunset creates the iconic silhouette of Wat Arun. Outside these months, the sun sets slightly north or south of the temple, so it doesn’t always set directly behind Wat Arun.

Dinner with a view at Wat Arun

The best part is combining it with dinner and/or drink by the water. We went to Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien, where the food is seriously good and the view of Wat Arun is amazing. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery. More In the mood for a drink? Check out Eagle’s Nest, just a short walk from Supanniga.

Visitor information: Wat Arun

Also known as: Temple of Dawn
Opening hours: Daily from 08:00 – 17:30
Admission: 100 baht
Address: 158 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok Yai

Dress code for the Wat Arun in Bangkok

• At Wat Arun, you must wear long pants that fully cover your legs. Shorts are not allowed, even if they cover the knees.
• No sleeveless shirts, shorts or see-through clothing.
• Wearing hats or caps inside the temple is not allowed.

How to get to temple Wat Arun

By MRT + Boat

By MRT + Boat: Take the MRT Blue Line to Sanam Chai station. Walk 10 minutes to Tha Tien Pier, then take a short boat ride across the river to Wat Arun Pier
Boat price: 5 baht per person (cross-river ferry).

By BTS + Boat:

Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station. Walk to Sathorn Pier and take a Chao Phraya Express Boat heading to Tha Tien Pier. From there, transfer to the cross-river ferry to Wat Arun Pier.
Express boat price: 16–40 baht per person (depending on boat type and distance).
Cross-river ferry: 5 baht per person.

You pay for the cross-river ferry at the dock before boarding. The express boat fare is paid either at the pier or onboard, depending on the service.

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Plan your trip to Bangkok

Great to combine with your visit:

Grand Palace: About 15 minutes away (including a short ferry ride across the river). Famous for its stunning Thai architecture and the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Pho: About a 10-minute walk (with a short ferry ride). Known for the Reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage school.

Khao San Road: Around 25 minutes by taxi or boat and walk. Popular backpacker area with bars, street food, and lively nightlife.

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Hotels near Wat Arun, reachable by walking or a short ferry ride

• Riva Arun Bangkok – Stylish riverside hotel with modern rooms and a rooftop bar overlooking Wat Arun; 2-minute walk from the ferry pier.
• Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok – Boutique hotel directly across the river from Wat Arun, offering rooms and a rooftop bar with panoramic temple views; just a short ferry ride away.
• ARUN Riverside Bangkok – Comfortable hotel right by the river, featuring great views of Wat Arun; 3-minute walk from the ferry pier.