Wat Arun Tours

Wat Arun which includes a temple or place of worship as well as a large group of people
Wat Arun featuring heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Wat Arun featuring a temple or place of worship
Wat Arun showing a temple or place of worship, interior views and religious elements
Wat Arun featuring religious elements and a statue or sculpture


The high, Khmer-style tower of the “Temple of Dawn” is one of Bangkok’s most photographed landmarks... at sunset!

The historic significance, ornate design and beautiful views make Wat Arun worth the short ferry trip across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace/Wat Pho. Position yourself on the opposite side of the river at sunset to get a striking photograph of its impressive silhouette against a reddening sky.

The original building was a modest shrine. King Taksin established the capital on the site in the 18th century and built an ornate temple for the sacred Emerald Buddha statue. When he saw it was the first building to catch the morning light, he named it “Temple of Dawn” “Aruna” is the Indian god of dawn and “wat” means temple. In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital to the other side of the river and took the statue with him. The temple’s Khmer-style towers were added by his two successors in the early 19th century.

The four-corner pagoda, or “prang,” is an architectural representation of mythical Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. Get up close to see the tiny pieces of porcelain and colored glass that give the roof its shine. Climb the stairs part way up the spire for a view across the city. On your way out, check out the statues of monkeys, demons and incarnations of Buddha. Head inside to see the golden Buddha with the ashes of King Rama II interred at its base. Also worth a look are the murals featuring depictions of the spiritual teacher Prince Siddhartha encountering the different stages of life.

Wat Arun is one of the few Bangkok highlights on the western side of the river. The temple is open daily and there is an admission fee. Take the cross-river ferry at Tha Tien pier from the Grand Palace the ride takes a few minutes and is inexpensive. If you arrive later in the day, remember to stay on the eastern side of the river to watch the sun set behind the temple.

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Best Lodging Options Near Wat Arun

Riva Arun Bangkok

Riva Arun Bangkok

4 out of 5
392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, Bangkok
Riva Arun Bangkok
The Peninsula Bangkok

The Peninsula Bangkok

5 out of 5
333 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan, Bangkok, Bangkok
The Peninsula Bangkok
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

3 out of 5
95 ,Soi Rambuttri, Chakkra Phong, Road,Phra Nakhon, 1, Bangkok, Bangkok Province
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point

Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point

4.5 out of 5
662 Rama IV Road, Bangkok, Bangkok
Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
Corridor2407 Hotel

Corridor2407 Hotel

2 out of 5
31 Charoenkrung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Bangkok, Bangkok
Corridor2407 Hotel
Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok

Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok

4 out of 5
488/800 Bo Bae Tower, Damrongrak Road, Klong Mahanak, Bangkok, Bangkok
Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok
Lub d Bangkok Chinatown

Lub d Bangkok Chinatown

2 out of 5
Maha Chai Rd, Wangburapapirom, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Lub d Bangkok Chinatown
Asia Hotel Bangkok

Asia Hotel Bangkok

4 out of 5
296 Phayathai Road, Bangkok, Bangkok
Asia Hotel Bangkok
Thana Wisut Hotel

Thana Wisut Hotel

3 out of 5
6 Trok Ban Lo,, Bangkok
Thana Wisut Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Wat Arun

When visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok, make sure to explore nearby shopping options and unwind at wellness retreats. For easy access, consider taking a taxi to the temple. After soaking in the stunning architecture, you can catch a movie at one of the local theatres. Enjoy a blend of culture, relaxation, and entertainment during your visit to this iconic landmark.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience, head to Chinatown, just 1 mile from Wat Arun, where you'll find unique gifts and local souvenirs. Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street, 0.9 miles away, offers a lively atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, visit Siam Paragon Mall, located 3 miles away, for high-end shopping.

Recreation

Ratchadamnoen Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 2 miles from Wat Arun. Experience relaxation at Health Land Spa & Massage Asoke, located 5 miles away, where rejuvenating treatments await. For outdoor fun, visit the Royal Dusit Golf Club, also 2 miles away, perfect for golf lovers.

Adventure

Experience thrills at Phanthai Norasing Water Park, located 17 miles from Wat Arun, offering family-friendly attractions and exciting water rides. For water sports enthusiasts, Thai Wake Park, 23 miles away, features adrenaline-pumping activities. Alternatively, enjoy Fantasia Lagoon Water Park, just 8 miles away, perfect for family fun and adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Wat Arun with a visit to Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, Patravadi Theatre, and the National Theatre, all showcasing rich cultural performances. Enjoy a romantic evening filled with entertainment and family-friendly vibes at these nearby venues, just a short distance away.

Find the best attractions near Wat Arun

Visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok offers a rich blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Explore the stunning temple, stroll through vibrant streets, and relax in nearby urban parks. Key attractions include Wat Arun itself, a symbol of Thailand's heritage, and various local sites that showcase the city's charm. Whether you're drawn to the spiritual ambiance or the lively surroundings, there’s plenty to discover in this iconic area.

  • Khaosan Road: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Khaosan Road, a bustling street filled with shops, bars, and street food. This area is a hotspot for backpackers and offers a unique blend of cultures, making it a great place to meet fellow travelers and enjoy local delicacies.
  • Grand Palace: Visit the stunning Grand Palace, a historic site that showcases Thailand's rich culture and architecture. Marvel at the intricate details of the buildings and the revered Emerald Buddha, making it a must-see for history and culture enthusiasts.
  • Wat Pho: Explore Wat Pho, famous for its giant reclining Buddha and serene atmosphere. This temple is also a center for traditional Thai massage, allowing visitors to experience relaxation in a culturally significant setting.

Best time to go to Wat Arun

Visitor numbers around Wat Arun is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Wat Arun can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Wat Arun falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Wat Arun falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January81.1°F (27.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February83.3°F (28.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March85.6°F (29.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April87.4°F (30.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May87.3°F (30.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
October82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Wat Arun

To save money on your trip to Wat Arun, plan your visit during the cheaper months of May or September to October, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Tuesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices low to high and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings, and join Expedia's One Key program for exclusive discounts and future rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Wat Arun are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Wat Arun about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Wat Arun is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Wat Arun is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll find a list of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To uncover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Wat Arun with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.