Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's most famous landmarks, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is best known for its massive 82-meter-tall central spire (prang), which is intricately decorated with colorful porcelain and seashells that catch the morning light. [1, 2, 3, 4]




Key Visitor Information
  • Best Time to Visit: Arriving at dawn allows you to see the first light reflect off the temple's iridescent surface. Sunset is also a popular time to view its silhouette from the opposite riverbank.
  • How to Get There: Most visitors take a riverboat from Sathorn Pier to Pier 8, then hop on a small shuttle boat that crosses the river directly to the temple.
  • Dress Code: As a sacred site, respectful attire is mandatory. Shoulders and knees must be covered; tank tops, shorts, and ripped jeans are not permitted. Sarongs are typically available for rent at the entrance if needed.
  • Entry Fee: The entrance fee for foreigners is approximately 200 THB.
  • Climbing the Spire: You can climb the steep stairs of the central prang to reach a platform offering panoramic views of the river, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho. [2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]