Wat Arun

Wat Arun showing a temple or place of worship as well as a large group of people
Wat Arun showing heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Wat Arun which includes a temple or place of worship
Wat Arun showing a temple or place of worship, interior views and religious elements
Wat Arun


The high, Khmer-style tower of the “Temple of Dawn” is one of Bangkok’s most photographed landmarks... at sunset!

The historic significance, ornate design and beautiful views make Wat Arun worth the short ferry trip across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace/Wat Pho. Position yourself on the opposite side of the river at sunset to get a striking photograph of its impressive silhouette against a reddening sky.

The original building was a modest shrine. King Taksin established the capital on the site in the 18th century and built an ornate temple for the sacred Emerald Buddha statue. When he saw it was the first building to catch the morning light, he named it “Temple of Dawn” “Aruna” is the Indian god of dawn and “wat” means temple. In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital to the other side of the river and took the statue with him. The temple’s Khmer-style towers were added by his two successors in the early 19th century.

The four-corner pagoda, or “prang,” is an architectural representation of mythical Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. Get up close to see the tiny pieces of porcelain and colored glass that give the roof its shine. Climb the stairs part way up the spire for a view across the city. On your way out, check out the statues of monkeys, demons and incarnations of Buddha. Head inside to see the golden Buddha with the ashes of King Rama II interred at its base. Also worth a look are the murals featuring depictions of the spiritual teacher Prince Siddhartha encountering the different stages of life.

Wat Arun is one of the few Bangkok highlights on the western side of the river. The temple is open daily and there is an admission fee. Take the cross-river ferry at Tha Tien pier from the Grand Palace the ride takes a few minutes and is inexpensive. If you arrive later in the day, remember to stay on the eastern side of the river to watch the sun set behind the temple.

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Things to do near Wat Arun

Wat Arun, a stunning temple in Bangkok, offers a wealth of activities for tourists. Visitors can indulge in local sightseeing to admire the intricate architecture and serene riverside views. Additionally, the vibrant shopping districts nearby provide a delightful opportunity to explore local crafts and souvenirs. With its rich culture and lively atmosphere, Wat Arun is a must-visit destination that encapsulates the essence of Bangkok.

Shopping

For shopping near Wat Arun, visit Chinatown, a vibrant public market just 1.6km away, offering a local atmosphere. Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street, 1.4km away, is great for family vibes. ICONSIAM is a larger shopping mall 3.2km away, featuring entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium offers an exhilarating experience with its vibrant sports atmosphere, just 3.2km from Wat Arun. For a soothing retreat, Health Land Spa & Massage Asoke, located 8.0km away, provides a tranquil environment for relaxation. The Racquet Club, 9.7km away, exudes luxury and exclusivity.

Adventure

The Bangkok Shooting Range, located 6.4km from Wat Arun, offers thrilling shooting experiences for enthusiasts. For family fun, visit Fantasia Lagoon Water Park, 12.9km away, featuring exciting rides and water attractions. For water sports, head to Thai Wake Park, 37.0km from Wat Arun, perfect for adventure seekers.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Wat Arun offers a rich cultural experience. Enjoy a performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, just 1.3km away, or head to the National Theatre, 1.6km away, for more artistic flair. Patravadi Theatre, 1.1km away, also promises enchanting shows for a delightful evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Wat Arun

Wat Arun offers a captivating blend of cultural and outdoor experiences, making it a must-visit for travellers. Within and around this iconic temple, you can explore vibrant streets and serene urban parks, all rich in local charm. Whether you're interested in immersing yourself in traditional culture or enjoying the bustling city atmosphere, there's plenty to discover in this enchanting part of Bangkok.

  • Khaosan Road: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Khaosan Road, a bustling street brimming with eclectic shops, lively bars, and street food stalls. It's the perfect spot for mingling with fellow travellers and soaking in the city's energetic vibe, located 1.6km from Wat Arun.
  • Grand Palace: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Thailand at the Grand Palace, a stunning architectural marvel just 805m away. Explore its intricate designs and learn about the royal heritage that defines this iconic landmark.
  • Wat Pho: Discover the tranquil beauty of Wat Pho, a revered temple famous for its magnificent Reclining Buddha. Situated 483m from Wat Arun, this cultural treasure offers a serene escape and a glimpse into Thailand's spiritual heritage.

Best time to go to Wat Arun

The best time to visit Wat Arun is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January81.1°F (27.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February83.3°F (28.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March85.6°F (29.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
April87.4°F (30.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May87.3°F (30.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
October82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Wat Arun

To save money on your visit to Wat Arun, consider travelling during the off-peak months of May and September to October, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Tuesdays typically offer the best rates, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for added discounts. Always check cancellation options to ensure flexibility in your plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Wat Arun are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Wat Arun about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Wat Arun is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Wat Arun is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will reveal a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Wat Arun with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.