The Buddhist shrine Wat Arun, in Czech the Temple of Dawn, is one of the three most important Bangkok temples after Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew.

Located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of the most photogenic sights in Bangkok and the most prominent landmark of the old city. Although it is nowhere near as large as the two temples mentioned above, it is one of the top sights and a visit should not be missed.

Khmer-style temple

Wat Arun stands on a symmetrical square plan, dominated by a central 80-metre high prang (i.e. temple tower) surrounded on all corners by 4 other smaller ones.

The Temple of Dawn is the only one in Bangkok built in the Khmer style, and is thus distinctly different from other temples, which are often as similar to each other as an egg is to an egg. Its construction began during the 17th century, but the most striking 80-metre high prang was not built until the first half of the 19th century.

Wat Arun

The play of light at dawn and dusk

The bright and meticulously decorated facade, divided into tens of thousands of ornaments, creates an incredible play of colours on clear days. At dawn, the sun leans on the temple walls, multiplied by the reflecting Chao Phraya River, and the colours of the façade gradually change from grey to deep orange and yellow to white.

In the evening, on the other hand, Wat Arun gradually lights up with subtle yellow-orange artificial lighting.

Wat Arun

The view from the walls of Wat Arun

The interior of the temple is not open to the public, but you can climb the very steep steps to the galleries around the walls of the main prang, where you can get a unique view of the Chao Phraya River.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The gates of the complex are open every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, but the last entry is at 5:30 pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office (cash only) for 200 thb.

Official website: watarun1.com

Accommodation at Wat Arun

The area around the temple is quite difficult to access and therefore not one of the most popular for living. On the other hand, you will experience a regular authentic Bangkok here. For example, you can stay at the highly rated OB Arun House.

Much more desirable is the accommodation overlooking Wat Arun on the other side of the river. For the very best, check out the luxurious Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok ****.

Transportation to Wat Arun

The temple is one of the few monuments situated on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River, and the quickest way to get here from the centre is by boat.

Boat - Wat Arun wharf (right at the entrance): the orange Chao Phraya Express Boat line, the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat line and the green MINE Smart Ferry line. The ferry then sails across the river to Wat Pho temple
Bus - stop about 200 metres from the entrance: line 57 (Khlong San gold automatic metro line station, Itsaraphap blue metro line station, Wongwian Yan station)
Metro - the nearest blue metro line Itsaraphap station about 900 metres from the temple