Wat Arun: A First-Timer’s Guide to the Temple of Dawn

Google “Bangkok” and this temple’s majestic main Prang by the river is almost always the first picture that pops up. So can you really be in Bangkok without visiting it?

As a born-and-raised Bangkokian, I ignored this gorgeous temple for decades. I remember visiting once on a school field trip, and hating everything because I’d rather be somewhere with the A/C on.

Not anymore, though. After taking a few foreign friends around Bangkok and exploring it like a foreigner myself, I’ve come to fully appreciate Wat Arun.

I’ve even put a traditional Thai dress on a few times, too. Because yes, if you enjoy taking photos in a Hanbok in Gyeongbokgung, this is where you get Bangkok’s version of that experience!

Visit in the early morning, as soon as it opens at 8 AM, for the most gorgeous lighting against its encrusted mosaics. Have 200 Baht ready in cash, and get ready to spend an hour there!

For cultural travelers who can’t stand visiting a historical site without understanding its history, I’m here to make sure Wat Arun isn’t just a meaningless bunch of buildings.

Is Wat Arun Better at Sunrise or Sunset?

That is the question, isn’t it?

Wat Aun means “the Temple of Dawn,” and it lives up to that name. The main prang looks stunningly smooth and golden in the morning sun.

Sunset gives a different feel with the backlight. I prefer it at sunrise, although I know many people love it at sunset as well.

If you’re not a morning person, I recommend skipping the sunset and grab a table at a bar across the river at night. It always get lit up in golden lights after dark, and that’s freakin’ stunning.

A Brief History of Wat Arun

Did you know that Wat Arun is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok?

While the royal chapel, Wat Phra Kaew, was constructed when Bangkok became the capital city in 1782, Wat Arun has been around since the Ayutthaya Era (1351-1767).

King Taksin and Thonburi’s Royal Temple

After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, King Taksin, then an aristocrat living in Ayutthaya, returned to his birthplace in Chanthaburi and gathered his men.

With his army, he attacked the Burmese and won Ayutthaya back for the country, giving him the leverage to establish the Kingdom of Thonburi.

He built his palace next to Wat Arun, and the temple became the royal temple of his reign.

The sacred Emerald Buddha was also housed inside Wat Arun from 1778 to 1782, after which it was moved to Wat Phra Kaew, where it remains today.

The Meaning Behind the Name “Temple of Dawn”

“Arun” is a poetic Thai word of Sanskrit origin, meaning “dawn.” Not coincidentally, it is also the name of the Hindu God of Dawn, Aruna.

Its full formal name is Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, but we don’t need to talk about that right now. We don’t need to go there.

Before it became chic to call Wat Arun by its formal name, Thai people used to call it “Wat Jaeng,” which also means the Temple of Dawn, but in the common Thai language.

Some older people still call it Wat Jaeng today.

How to Get to Wat Arun

There are two main ways to get to Wat Arun from anywhere in Bangkok.

By Boat (Recommended)

• Take the MRT Blue Line to Sanam Chai Station, then a short walk to Tha Tien Pier.
• Take the crossing ferry (10 THB) from Tha Tien to Wat Arun Pier, which is right at the side entrance to the temple. Take a left turn after leaving the pier turnstile.
• Read my public transportation guide if you’re in Bangkok for the first time.

By Grab Taxi

While some people prefer to sit in a car for their journey, I don’t think it suits visitors who always have limited days in the city. It’s also not the prettiest way to arrive at the temple.

As always, you can take a Grab Car to the back entrance of Wat Arun.

Essential Visitors’ Information

Here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit to Wat Arun

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: 200 THB (US$6)
• Payment Method: Cash only
• Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600

Visit in the early morning or after 4 PM to avoid the harsh sunlight and overwhelming crowds.

Follow my one-day cultural itinerary to combine your visit with Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho, or book a walking tour for a more convenient experience.

Dress Code for Wat Arun

The easiest way to check your outfit for a temple visit is to think of it like a church. Would you be let into a Sunday church with the outfit you’re wearing?

• Sleeved, modest top
• Pants or skirts long enough to cover your knees
• Covered shoes or sandals with backstraps
• Avoid: Flip-flops, ripped pants, tank tops

The 7 Main Highlights Inside Wat Arun

Up next are some of the most important structures inside the temple, from the riverside towards the back entrance. If you’re entering from the back entrance, you’ll see the first ones last.

1. Central Prang

I mean, how can you not see the main prang up close if you’re in Wat Arun?! But did you know?

This structure was originally 16 meters tall (52 ft), 5 times smaller than what you see today.

It was renovated in 1851 during the reign of King Rama III to become this ornate, massive prang, standing at 81.85 meters (268 ft).

And for some unknown reason, it remains the biggest standing riverside structure from its time. Nobody dared to build anything nearly as big so close to the water for fear of it tilting or collapsing.

It has been submitted as a UNESCO World Heritage and is pending inscription as of April 2026.

2. Old Ordination Hall (Bote Noi)

Also called “Little Chuch” in the local language, this building houses a statue of King Taksin, as well as his old bedstead. It’s a good idea to enter and pay your respects to the king’s statue when you visit.

This is the small building to the right, in front of the main prang, if you stand between the prang and the river, facing the temple.

3. Old Assembly Hall (Viharn Noi)

This is another building identical to the Old Ordination Hall, but on the left side of the main prang.

Inside this building is a Buddha’s relic, housed inside a Phra That, and the bed of King Rama II, who first planned to restore and renovate Wat Arun after 30 years of abandonment.

4. The Great Bodhi Tree

Not only is it a good spot to find shade at the temple, but Bodhi trees also hold much significance in Buddhism as the tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Here’s a noticeable trait that helps you recognize a Bodhi tree: Its leaves are heart-shaped!

5. Yaksha Guardians at the entrance

You can disagree with me on this, but the giants guarding Wat Phra Kaew have got nothing on these guardians at Wat Arun.

You can get amazing photos of these giants, especially if you’re there earlier with fewer people.

Both giants are mythical characters from the Ramayana, a Hindu epic widely studied in Thai culture and other Buddhist countries.

The green giant’s name is Tosakanth, and the white giant’s name is Sahasadecha.

6. Ordination Hall (Phra Ubosot)

Religiously speaking, the main prang isn’t the most important building of Wat Arun, but this one is.

The Ordination Hall, or Phra Ubosot, is the ceremonial hall of the temple. If there’s a religious event going on, this is the building that will be closed to the public.

The Emerald Buddha inside Wat Phra Kaew was here from 1778 to 1782, during the temple’s run as the kingdom’s royal chapel.

Today, you can pay your respects to another Buddha image and admire one of the most magnificent and well-maintained wall paintings in the country.

7. Assembly Hall (Phra Viharn)

Exit the Ordination Hall courtyard through the south gate, and you’ll see the current Assembly Hall, decorated in ornate gold patterns.

Inside is Phra Jaeng, or Phra Arun, a Lao-style Buddha image.

It was commissioned from Vientiane by King Rama IV to be put inside Wat Phra Kaew, but he ultimately decided to put it in Wat Arun because the names coincide.

Renting a Traditional Thai Dress at Wat Arun

There’s a high chance you’ve already seen photos of people in traditional Thai costumes posing around Wat Arun all over the internet. If that’s what got you here, read carefully.

Pros and Cons for Travelers

Where to Rent and Price Range

When getting off the ferry, do not enter the temple if you’re planning to get dressed up.

Instead of turning left to the entrance, keep walking along the alley until you reach a T intersection. This is the street that runs through the back of the temple.

There are plenty of rental shops along this back street. I highly recommend Mahasane Thai Costume for a full-service shop.

You can rent a costume for 3 hours, get your hair and makeup done by professionals for only 550 THB (US$17). The price decreases by 300 THB if you’re doing your own makeup.

Booking a Photography Session

Most dress shops take walk-ins. There’s no need to book a time unless you want a professional photographer for your rental session.

If you want professional photos taken, booking a photography session is a great idea, especially if you’re coming to Bangkok solo.

These photographers are amazing at getting clean shots, no matter how crowded the temple is.

What NOT to Do Inside Wat Arun

Do not sit where you’re not supposed to, you guys. You should only be sitting on the floor, the stairs, or designated benches (shocking).

I’ve seen this so often, I have to emphasize. Instagrammers be wanting to look majestic so badly, they’d sit on the rim of barriers around the main prang.

Like, come on, would you put your butt this mindlessly wherever inside your hometown church?

If you don’t feel bad for the locals who treat this as a place of worship, at least feel bad for the temple guards who have to tell tourists to get off the barriers a hundred times a day.

Other Things I Recommend Around Bangkok

If this is your first time in Bangkok, I highly recommend joining this tuk-tuk food tour for a real taste of the most typical Thai dishes. The tour ends with a view of Wat Arun at night!

For a more hidden gem, Kudichin Community is a centuries-old riverside village only a few blocks south of Wat Arun. There are several cute cafes you can chill at there.

Otherwise, continue planning by checking out other solo-friendly things to do in Bangkok, as well as my favorite restaurants for real Thai food!

For guides to other regions and provinces, check my Thailand Cultural Travel page.

Helpful Travel Tips for Thailand

All visitors need to fill out a Digital Arrival Card no longer than 3 days before their trip to Thailand. And if applicable, a visa.

• Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
• Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
• Must-have Apps: Grab, Papago AI Translator, Google Maps

Learn the dos and don’ts in Thai culture and some local phrases before arriving.

Don’t forget to always have cash on hand. The smaller the notes, the better!

Grab My Thailand E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

FAQs About Visiting Wat Arun

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