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Wat Arun, Bangkok: Hours, Best Time, and More

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as Wat Chaeng, stands as an iconic landmark of Bangkok, which people recognize as the Temple of Dawn. The central prang (spire) reaches 82 meters into the sky and is the tallest structure in Bangkok. The Khmer-style temple represents Mount Meru, which represents the Buddhist cosmological center of the world. The prangs receive their morning shine from porcelain mosaics and seashells that cover their surfaces. The ordination hall (bot) contains exceptional murals showing royal life. 


The main staircase at Wat Arun temple allows visitors to reach viewing points that provide spectacular perspectives of the Chao Phraya River as well as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Visitors should combine Wat Arun with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in their exploration since these sites lie within walking distance across the river. The temple appears most photogenic when seen from across the river at either sunrise or sunset because of enchanting lighting conditions. Wat Arun temple is famous because of its magnificent architecture and historical significance. You can book temples & long-tail boat tour with lunch English guide to explore the beautiful Wat Arun.

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Wat Arun Bangkok Timings

The opening hours of Wat Arun Bangkok are 8 am to 6 pm, daily. Additionally, check the timings before visiting, as the schedule may vary on certain days or holidays.

How to reach Wat Arun

Wat Arun is located in 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand. Getting to Wat Arun is easy via public and private transportation. 

  • By River Boat

The riverboat provides the most picturesque path to visit Wat Arun for most visitors. You can reach Wat Arun by boat from Saphan Taksin boat pier (Sathorn Pier), where you can access it through Saphan Taksin Station of the BTS Skytrain. After arriving at the pier, passengers should use the Chao Phraya Express Boat to reach Tha Tien Pier (N8). Wat Arun stands only a short ferry crossing away from Tha Tien Pier across the river.

  • By Bus

The public bus numbers 19, 57, 83, and 507 stop near Wat Arun. The mass transit system of Bangkok includes buses, but they present challenges for foreign visitors because of heavy traffic conditions and communication difficulties between residents and tourists.

  • By Taxi or Tuk-Tuk

The city of Bangkok provides easy access to taxi services and tuk-tuks in all its areas. Always choose a taxi with a metered system and establish the price before departure to prevent excessive charges. It is advised to establish prices for tuk-tuk fares before getting into the vehicle. 

  • By Private Car or Ride-Hailing Services

The use of private cars and Grab applications provides passengers with comfortable and convenient travel options. You can obtain a set rate for these services for direct transport to the temple.

Best time to visit

Early morning provides the best experience of Wat Arun temple because it is less crowded during that time. The peaceful atmosphere at the temple allows you to take amazing photographs while enjoying every aspect of the view. The number of tourists visiting Wat Arun begins to increase after 10 am till noon. During this time, the temple becomes hot and crowded. 

Visiting Wat Arun Bangkok during the hot and crowded peak hours offers an unpleasant experience, so travelers should steer clear of this period. You can visit Wat Arun between 3 pm and 4:30 pm since the climate has become comfortable and most tourists have left. So, the best time to visit Wat Arun is in the morning and during sunset because these periods bring lower temperatures and fewer visitors.

Highlights

  • The central prang of Wat Arun gleams under the sun because of its porcelain mosaic covering.

  • You can find detailed murals in the ordination hall showing both royal scenes and Buddhist narratives.

  • The Wat Arun Bangkok shines best during sunrise and sunset times, so you should take photographs to capture its breathtaking beauty.

  • Experience the distinctive Khmer-style architecture that distinguishes Wat Arun from all other temples in Bangkok.

  • Boat travelers can see the Wat Arun in its full splendor by crossing the river from the other side.

FAQs about Wat Arun

The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) gains its fame from its distinctive spire, which displays colorful porcelain decorations. Wat Arun stands as a famous Bangkok symbol with its remarkable architecture that people appreciate best during dawn and sunset times.

Wat Arun’s entrance fee is around 100 Baht. 

You can plan a visit of 1 to 2 hours to Wat Arun Bangkok. This gives you enough time to explore the temple, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The best time to visit Wat Arun is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During these times, the weather is cooler, and you can see the temple’s beauty in the soft light of dawn or sunset. These times also help avoid large crowds.