Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun)
- Address: West bank of the Chao Phraya, opposite Tha Thien Pier, Bangkok
- Hours: Open daily 9am - 5:30pm
- Admission: ฿20
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Views / Viewpoint,
Nature & Wildlife,
Religious Experience,
Sunrise / Sunset,
Monument - Historical,
Ruin - Ancient,
Temple
The Temple of the Dawn - or Wat Arun - towers 260 ft (79 m) above the Chao Phraya river. With fabulous views of the rising and setting sun and of the city's main attractions, the temple is one of Bangkok's most visited sights after the Grand Palace.
Named by Bangkok's founder King Thaksin to signify the rise of the new kingdom (after Ayutthaya was destroyed), the Temple of the Dawn was originally much shorter until its expansion during King Rama III's rule (1824 - 1851). Local people donated the ceramic pieces that make up the temple's unique exterior decoration.
It is possible to climb the temple for views across the river to the Grand Palace and beyond but its narrow steps are not for the faint hearted.
Latest Reviews
Review by baalu, India, May 2013
Doing what: Bangkok Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
Excellent, superb, amazing...... Have to congratulate the organisers of this tour for all the arrangements, especially the buffet dinner, beverages, band playing soft music, seating arrangements, friendly staff .....the list goes on and on and that too at a reasonable price,Will go out of my way to recommend to all my friends.
Keep up the good work.
Review by Linda B, USA, May 2013
Doing what: Bangkok Canals Cruise including Grand Palace and Wat Arun
Our guide was very knowledgeable. We highly recommend this canal tour. Riding in the long tail boat was a highlight of our trip to Bangkok.
Review by Jacqueline S, April 2013
Doing what: Bangkok Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
This was my favorite of 33 day trip. Pick up on time, food plentiful and mix of western and Thai and very good. Highlight was the entertainment. Beautiful singers, great choice of music, even 2 did Thai dances. We joined in the dancing and line dance going by the most fantistic views on the river. Just great!
Practical Info
The easiest route to the Temple of the Dawn is by water taxi from Tha Tien Pier (near Wat Po). By road you'll need to cross to the west side of the Chao Phraya river over Phra Pin-klao Bridge and follow the river south on Arun Amarin Road.
