WAT ARUN, BANGOK: TEMPLE OF THE DAWN GUIDE 2024 -

Wat Arun, also called, the Temple of the Dawn is a one of the most important landmarks in Bangkok. It is located on the bank West bank of the Chao Phraya River and its unique ‘Prang”, spire, creates an enchanting view framed by the river’s bright surface.

The temple is worth to be seen during the day and the night when its towers feature a magical view of shapes and colors. The Wat Arun entrance fees are affordable, and the temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Temple of the Dawn dress code requires as in any temple in Bangkok to cover your legs and shoulders and I will go into more details in this blog post.

During my several stays in Bangkok I have visited the temple a few times and one of my favorite places to watch the sunset is from one of the rooftop bars in front of temple where you have a stunning view at that time of the day, and it is the best place to take a complete view of the temple.

I am writing this guide to help you prepare your visit to this temple and make the best out of it.

View of the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok and the boat stop in the Chao Praya river

ABOUT WAT ARUN

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is an architectural gem standing on the west bank of the Chao Praya river in Bangkok. Its spire is marvel adorned with colorful porcelaine tiles and seashells that reflect the sunlight creating a magical view at dawn that will be balsm for your eyes. This is where Wat Arun takes its name “Temple of the Dawn”.

The temple dates back to the 17th, however its famous Prabang was built in the early 19th century. The temple was erected to honor the Hindu God Aruna that is represented as the radiations of the rising Sun, the God of Dawn. With time the temple became a place of Buddhist worship and meditation.

The temple’s architecture is a blend of Khmer and Thai styles and it features some intricate carvings and beautiful statues and gardens, each of them with its unique character and charm.

View of the spire and some other towers of the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok

Wat Arun is a standing testament of Thailand’s architectural wonders and it is also a magical sanctuary for Thai people where travelers can enjoy the beauty of this place while immersing themselves in the Thai spiritual soul.

WHERE IS WAT ARUN LOCATED

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is situated on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. Its strategic location provides stunning views of the river and easy access for visitors to explore this iconic symbol of Thai culture and heritage.

Find here a pin with Wat Arun location:

HOW TO GET TO WAT ARUN

Find here how to get to Wat Arun from the most popular locations to stay in Thailand, Kao Shan Road and Sukhumvit.

To get to Wat Arun from Kao San Road:

From Kao San Road:
- Walk to Phra Arthit Pier (about 10 minutes).
- Take a Chao Phraya Express Boat heading towards Sathorn Pier.
- Disembark at Tha Tien Pier.
- From Tha Tien Pier, take a short ferry ride across the river to Wat Arun.

To get to Wat Arun from Sukhumvit:

From Sukhumvit:
- Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station (S6) on the Silom Line.
- Walk to Sathorn Pier, which is located nearby.
- Take a Chao Phraya Express Boat heading towards Nonthaburi or Pak Kret.
- Disembark at Tha Tien Pier.
- From Tha Tien Pier, take a short ferry ride across the river to Wat Arun.

MY EXPERIENCE VISITING WAT ARUN

I have been several to Wat Arun along the several years that I visited Bangkok and every time I love the place even more.

As I practice meditation as much as this humble body and mind allow me to do and I am a Buddhist practitioner, I job in the Wat Arun meditation class at the Wat Arun meditation center and I loved it.

There are dance classes also offered at Wat Arun, but I did not ever take one although I had the chance to take a nice picture with some of the nice Thai dancers on the temple when they were leaving it on their way back home.

Thai dancers dressing the traditional custom in the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok

One of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Bangkok is from the other side of the river watching this majestic temple. I have been watching the sunset from there several times while having a dinner or sipping s drink.

WAT ARUN ENTRANCE FEE

The Wat Arun Entrance fee is affordable, just 100 baht but if you are not wearing the right outfit to enter the temple you will need to rent or buy a cover-up which price negotiable. And you will need to consider transportation costs.

Consider leaving a donation, it is always recommended leaving a donation while visiting a Buddhist temple. You will be helping the local community and creating some positive karma for yourself.

WAT ARUN OPENING HOURS

The Wat Arun opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHAT TO DO AT WAT ARUN

THE SPIRE PHRANG

The spire in Wat Arun is a breathtaking architectural wonder soaring 82 meters on the Bangkok skyline. As you ascend the spire stairs you will discover some panoramic views of the Chao Praya river and the Bangkok areas around.

Climbing the stairs of the Spire Phrang is not only a physical effort but also a spiritual journey as the climbing of the stairs in Buddhist symbolism is associated with the path to enlightenment.

A view of the stairs to the spire in the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok

THE ORDINATION HALL

The ordination hall is a must visit when in the temple. As you enter the hall you will get a sense of serenity as you will see flickering candles. There are also carved wooden panels of the Buddha that adorn the hall and the whole atmosphere in the hall will invite you to meditate.

You can just enter the temple and look around or you are also welcome to sit down and meditate and show your reverence to the Buddha nature of things. I love doing that when visiting Buddhist temples in Asia.

A view of one of the anex buildings to the

THE GROUNDS

There are some other structures in the temple that the spire and the ordination hall. There are two other sanctuaries in Wat Arun, (wí·hăhn) and a depository for Buddhist scriptures (hǒr đrai), along with various other structures. Along the riverbank, you’ll find six open-air pavilions known as săh·lah (often spelt as sala). Traditionally intended for relaxation or study, these pavilions are now commonly used as docks for tourist boats

Pilar with the porcelaine decoration at the base of the spire in the Wat Arun temple

ATTEND A BUDDHIST CEREMONY

You are allowed to attend a Buddhist ceremony while visiting the temple, and it you have never attended one I strongly recommend it. I have attended Buddhist ceremonies in several temples in Asia such as the Wat Pho temple also in Bangkok and many others and it is a really nice experience.

Buddhist monks are usually very friendly, and they will approach if they see you are interested in Buddhist or meditation.

TAKE A MEDITATION CLASS

There is a free meditation class offered daily in the temple at 16:30. It is a very nice introduction to meditation if you have never practiced or if you are a devote meditator if can be a nice opportunity to meet other people practicing meditation and experience a new style.

The monk leading the meditation told me he used to be a very busy businessman, but he left everything behind to become a Buddhist monk. The meditation center is working together with the University of California to study the positive effects of meditation on brain chemistry and psychology. It is very interesting to visit this part of Wat Arun. Do not miss it, you need to walk until the very end of the temple.

TAKE A THAI DANCE CLASS

Taking a Thai dance class inside of this iconic temple is such a beautiful experience. You will be with other students around the temple graceful architecture and will get you initiation into Thai dance. This is a cultural immersive experience in the right setting and it will be the cherry on the cake to you Temple of the Dawn visit.

I recommend this Thai dance class at Wat Arun

WAT ARUN, TEMPLE OF THE DAWN DRESS CODE

The dress code for the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, is conservative and respectful. The temple visitors should dress in a modest manner and cover their shoulders and knees. They should avoid wearing shorts and tank tops. It is recommended to wear loose clothes as the temperature on the temple can get quite hot and humid during the day. You cannot wear shoes inside the temple and if you want to carry them with you inside, you need to have a bad where to keep them.

SUNSET OVER WAT ARUN TEMPLE

The Wat Arun sunset is a breathtaking show. I have seen it several times and I will probably see it some other times on my next visits to Bangkok. There are numerous rooftop bars across the river where you can have a dinner, sip a drink, and have a panoramic view of the sunset.

My favorite place where to go to watch the sunset is the Amorosa Bar. It has a big outside terrace with views to the temple and they serve amazing food and cocktails.

Check the end of this video where after a visit to the Amulet Market I am watching the sunset over the Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn temple.

BEST GUIDED TOURS TO WAT ARUN

An alternative way to explore Wat Arun is by joining a guided tour, which has been increasingly favored by visitors in Bangkok. These tours offer an efficient means to experience numerous attractions in just a single day. You can discover recommended itineraries, including stops at other prominent sites across Bangkok, through platforms like GetYourGuide.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING WAT ARUN TEMPLE

There are several hotels offering stunning views over the temple from their rooms. The best way to experience the temple is staying at least one night in one of these wonderful places.

Find here my top picks around this stunning location:

Arun Riverside Bangkok: This luxury 4-star hotel offers stunning views over the Wat Arun temple. The rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi and offer concierge service.

Riva Arun Bangkok: This hotel situated along the bank of the Chao Praya river offers a picturesque view of the Wat Arun temple. The hotel features contemporary and well-appointed rooms.

OB Arun House: The OB Arun is has a beautiful garden a quaint garden views. The hotel is situated just 400 meters from Wat Arun and 3,5 Km from the Wat Phone temple.

Baan Suandao Wat Arun: This hotel is located just 700 meters from Wat Arun Suandao and it provides very nice accommodation with access to garden, terrace and a parking for bicycles.

WAT ARUN TEMPLE OF THE DAWN FAQs

WHY IS WAT ARUN SO FAMOUS?

The Wat Arun temple is famous for its stunning architectural beauty and has some extremely beautiful, adorned spires that rises with majesty along the Chao Praya river. The temple is a symbol of cultural significance in Thailand.

Wat Arun Temple is renowned for its stunning architectural beauty, featuring intricately adorned spires that rise majestically along the Chao Phraya River. Its rich history, dating back to the 17th century, and significance in Thai culture as a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening contribute to its global fame.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF WAT ARUN?

Wat Arun derives its name from Aruna, the Hindu God of Dawn. It symbolizes the beginning of a new day and the awakening of enlightenment. Wat Arun is a symbol of spiritual illumination and cultural heritage in Bangkok and Thailand.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO VISIT WAT ARUN?

A visit to Wat Arun takes one or two hours, but it can last much longer if you decide to take part in some of the activities offered in the temple such as dance and meditation classes.

CAN YOU WALK FROM WAT ARUN TO THE GRAND PALACE?

While it’s possible to walk from Wat Arun to the Grand Palace, the journey involves crossing the Chao Phraya River. One can take a ferry or boat ride from Wat Arun to the Tha Tien Pier, then walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to the Grand Palace, covering approximately 1.5 kilometers.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun, is not just an architectural wonder but a one of the best examples of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. Watching a sunrise over Wat Arun is a magical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. The ethereal glow the temple emanates is a call for spiritual awakening and the perfect day to start a day getting to know the rich Thai culture in Bangkok.

If you are are a novice and have never practiced meditation I invite you to take part in the introduction to mediation class at the back of the temple. It will be an unforgettable experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.

MORE BANGKOK AND THAILAND GUIDES

I have been several in Bangkok and have spent in total months there during several stays in the city arriving from Europe or just on the way to other several destination in Thailand. Check here some more Bangkok guides;

And it is not only about Bangkok but Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world that I have travel extensively and I know quiet well. Check here some of the guides:

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Pilar

Travel Blogger at TravelTheWorldPages

Pilar is a travel blogger with many years experience living abroad and traveling in different world locations. She created her travel blog to inspire others to travel the world and experience its diverse and rich local cultures. She is a passionate scuba diver and loves underwater photography and video and writing about the sites she dives.