Anytime

Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

"Arun Temple (Wat Arun) locally known as Wat Chaeng, is a famous temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location but also because of its location. the design is very different from other temples you can visit in the Thai capital."

Arun Pagoda (Vietnamese name is Temple of Dawn) is partly made up of colorfully decorated spiers and stands majestically on the water.

Arun Temple is located almost opposite Wat Pho, so it is easy to find. From Saphan Taksin Marina, visitors can take a river boat that stops at Pier 8. From here, a small boat shuttles visitors from one riverbank to the other.

To fully visit the temple, visitors need about 1 hour. Although it is named "Temple of Dawn", it is most beautiful at sunset, it is also extremely shimmering and unique when lit up at night. Even so, the quietest time to visit is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.

With the beauty of the architecture and the craftsmanship of the artisans, it is no surprise that Wat Arun is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. The Prang (top) of Chao Phraya is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. The majestic spire is over 70 meters high, beautifully decorated with small pieces of colorful glass and cleverly placed Chinese porcelain creating intricate patterns.

Wat Arun was built by King Taksin in 1768. It is believed that after fighting to escape Ayutthaya, which was captured by the Burmese army at that time, he reached this temple as soon as dawn broke. Later, he remodeled the temple and renamed it Wat Chaeng - Temple of Dawn. This place used to be the home of the Emerald Buddha before the capital and Palace were moved to the other side of the river.

The temple was enlarged during the reign of Rama III (between 1824 and 1851) and is now one of the most visited sites in Thailand. It was also Rama III who decorated the spiers with porcelain so that they sparkled in the sunlight.

Visitors can climb to the top of the central mountain if they want, when reaching the highest point you can see the winding Chao Phraya river and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho located opposite. Along the base of this central tower are sculptures of Chinese soldiers and animals.

Entering the hall, visitors can admire the golden Buddha image and the detailed murals decorating the walls. Although Arun Temple is very popular among tourists, it is also an important place of worship for Buddhists. Therefore, when visiting the temple, visitors must wear dignified clothes.

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:30 every day of the week

Book tour Car rental Flight Visa Book Guide Shopping

Nearby attractions

Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located inside the grounds of the Royal Palace in the heart of Bangkok's Old Town. The palace grounds are divided into three parts: the inner court, the middle court and the outer court. In the outer court, where you will find Wat Phra Kaew. This temple is one of the main reasons why visitors flock to the Grand Palace.

Wat Traimitr: The famous Golden Buddha Temple in Bangkok

Wat Traimitr, also known as Wat Traimitr Withayaram Worawihan, is one of the most famous and important temples in Bangkok. Located in Chinatown, right next to Hualamphong train station, this temple attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its world-famous Golden Buddha statue. With its unique architecture and deep cultural and historical significance, Wat Traimitr is a must-see destination when exploring the Thai capital.