Bangkok
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn
Bangkok's porcelain-covered riverside spire, at its best around sunset.
Overview
Bangkok's riverside temple
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, faces the Grand Palace and Wat Pho across the Chao Phraya River. Its central spire, the prang, is decorated with pieces of colorful Chinese porcelain and broken ceramic tiles that were once ballast on trading ships.
Visitors can climb the steep, narrow stairs of the central prang for views of the river, the Grand Palace and the skyline. Late afternoon is best, when the porcelain catches the golden light.
Tours
Wat Arun tours and tickets
Wat Arun combines easily with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and a river cruise on a pre-booked tour.
This button opens our tour booking search. We may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Essentials
Plan your visit
| Entrance fee | 100 THB for foreign visitors. |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. |
| Getting there | Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin, then the orange flag express boat (15 THB) from Central Pier to Tha Tien Pier (N8). A 4 THB cross-river ferry takes about 3 minutes. |
| The climb | The stairs are steep. Hold the handrail and wear shoes with good grip. |
| Best time | Early morning for cooler air, or late afternoon for sunset. The temple is often best viewed from across the river at sunset. |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered, with no tank tops, short skirts or shorts. Sarongs can often be rented. Remove shoes before entering the main temple building. |
FAQ
Questions about Wat Arun
How much does it cost to visit Wat Arun?
Wat Arun entrance fee is 100 THB (approximately $2.85 USD) for foreign visitors. This is one of the most affordable major temples in Bangkok.
How do I get to Wat Arun?
Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, then board the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien Pier (N8). From there, take the 4 THB cross-river ferry to Wat Arun.
What are Wat Arun opening hours?
Wat Arun is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is late afternoon for sunset views when the temple's porcelain decorations reflect the golden light.
Can you climb Wat Arun?
Yes, visitors can climb the central prang via steep stairs. The climb is narrow but the panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok from the top is rewarding. Wear shoes with grip.
What is Wat Arun made of?
Wat Arun's central spire is decorated with pieces of colorful Chinese porcelain and broken ceramic tiles that were originally used as ballast on trading ships.