Want to see the grandeur of Thailand’s iconic Wat Arun? This 82-meter-tall riverside temple on the Chao Phraya River is a must-visit for every tourist. Often called the Temple of Dawn, its beauty is breathtaking at both sunrise and sunset. However, many travelers are confused about the routes or the latest ticket prices. This guide covers the easiest ways to get there, photo spots, and its history to ensure a smooth Bangkok trip.
Brief History: Why Is It Called the Temple of Dawn?
Many tourists wonder about the history of Wat Arun Temple. The story began when King Taksin arrived at the temple site precisely at dawn after the Ayutthaya battle. He then named it Wat Chaeng (Temple of Dawn).
The Wat Arun building we see today, with its central Khmer-style prang (tower), was extensively enhanced during the reigns of King Rama II and Rama III. Its main uniqueness lies in thousands of colorful Chinese porcelain pieces and seashells covering the walls, making them shimmer beautifully when touched by the morning sunlight.
Location and How to Get to Wat Arun Bangkok
For those wondering exactly where Wat Arun is, the temple is located on the west side (Thonburi) of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite Wat Pho. Here are the two best ways to get to Wat Arun Bangkok without getting lost:
For those wondering exactly where Wat Arun is, the temple is located on the west side (Thonburi) of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite Wat Pho. Here are the two best ways to get to Wat Arun Bangkok without getting lost:
Ferry Route (Most Popular & Affordable)
This is the classic route with beautiful river views.
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Take the BTS Skytrain (Silom Line) and get off at Saphan Taksin Station (Exit 2).
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Walk to the central pier (Sathorn Pier).
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Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Orange Flag) for 16 THB. The good news is that the orange-flag boat now often stops directly at Wat Arun Pier (N8).
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If the boat only stops at Tha Tien (N8 across the river), simply take the Cross River Ferry for 5 THB, which departs every 10–15 minutes.
MRT Route (Fastest)
If you want to avoid the heat at the pier:
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Take the MRT (Blue Line) and get off at Itsaraphap Station (Exit 2).
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From there, you can walk about 10–15 minutes to the temple entrance or take a tuk-tuk for 40–50 THB.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
Wat Arun’s opening hours apply every day of the year without holidays. The temple opens at 08:00 AM and closes at 06:00 PM. The last entrance is at 05:30 PM, so make sure you arrive before then to have enough time to explore the entire temple area.
Wat Arun’s opening hours apply every day of the year without holidays. The temple opens at 08:00 AM and closes at 06:00 PM. The last entrance is at 05:30 PM, so make sure you arrive before then to have enough time to explore the entire temple area.
Best Time to Visit: Morning
The best time to visit Wat Arun Temple is in the morning between 08:00–10:00, right after it opens. At this time, the crowd is still small, the air temperature is cooler, and the golden morning sunlight reflecting on the temple’s porcelain surface creates a stunning shimmer.
Best Time to Visit: Late Afternoon / Sunset
The second-best alternative is around 05:00 PM, just before closing. The warm afternoon light creates a dramatic effect on the temple’s surface. After leaving the temple, cross to the east bank of the river to enjoy the view of Wat Arun illuminated at night.
Times to Avoid
Avoid visiting during midday between 11:00 AM–02:00 PM because Bangkok’s temperature can be very hot and intense, especially in the open temple areas. Weekends and Thai national holidays also tend to be very crowded, making long queues at the prang staircase unavoidable.
Entrance Fee 2026
For Wat Arun entrance tickets in 2026, the price for foreign tourists is 200 THB (around IDR 90,000). The ticket usually includes one small bottle of mineral water. Keep in mind, tickets can only be purchased at the front entrance counter, and cash payment is preferred, as QR payments are only available at certain times.
Dress Code Rules You Must Know
The staff at the gate are very strict. You will be denied entry if you violate these rules:
- Mandatory: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Prohibited: Shorts above the knee, mini skirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or transparent/tight clothing.
- Solution: If your outfit is inappropriate, sarong rentals are available at the front area for about 20–50 THB (plus a deposit).
Best Photo Spots at Wat Arun
Wat Arun is a paradise for photographers and content creators. Here are the best photo spots that will produce the most stunning shots.
From the Opposite Riverbank (Wat Pho Side)
The real uniqueness is that the best photo spot to capture Wat Arun is not inside the temple itself, but from the opposite riverbank on the Wat Pho side. From here, you can get a perfect framing of the full Phra Prang with the Bangkok skyline as the backdrop.
Rooftop Bar Sala Arun (Eagle Nest Terrace)
For the most spectacular sunset and night shots, visit the Eagle Nest Terrace at Sala Arun Hotel, located on the riverbank opposite Wat Arun. From this height, you can photograph the temple with a perspective that cannot be captured elsewhere, including reflections of the temple lights on the Chao Phraya River surface.
Arch with the King’s Crown
Inside the Wat Arun complex, one of the most popular photo spots is the arch with the king’s crown on top. Two beautifully decorated giant guardian statues provide perfect framing for a shot with Phra Prang in the background.
Important Tip: Stable Internet Connection
While enjoying photography or checking boat routes, a stable internet signal is crucial. Don’t risk damaging or losing your physical SIM card. Use a Thailand eSIM from Global Komunika—just scan the QR code, and your internet is active upon landing. A smart solution for stable connectivity, smooth social media updates, and secure transactions without the hassle of swapping SIM cards.
