Wat Arun

Religious spot
★ 4.9 (82K+ reviews) • 1M+ booked
Known for its striking riverside beauty, Wat Arun—also called the Temple of Dawn Bangkok—is one of the city’s most iconic and photogenic temples. With its towering central prang (spire) covered in delicate porcelain pieces, the temple shines in the sunlight and glows beautifully at sunset. Many travelers say it looks like it was made for Instagram, and it’s easy to see why. But Wat Arun isn’t just about looks. It holds deep historical meaning too. King Taksin arrived here at dawn after the fall of Ayutthaya, giving the temple its poetic nickname. Whether you're exploring its quiet courtyards, admiring traditional Chinese statues, or arriving by boat along the Chao Phraya River, visiting this temple is a must when you're in Bangkok.
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158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
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Wat Arun Reviews

4.9 /5
82K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Tam *******
1 Jul
There are two branches on Klook available to book, I go to the far one, has been early in siam 1 hour, I was stuck 90 minutes car, late, want to go people can consider going back to the city newly opened, also heard there are other ways to book, klook seems a bit bad
2+
Klook User
1 Jul
If anyone really likes Doraemon and wants to see the hand-drawn image on paper (a replica of the real thing), you must come. We came on a weekday at noon and walked around alone, like we booked the whole trip. It took about 45 minutes, reading every sign and taking pictures from almost every angle. The entrance fee is 590 baht, which may feel a bit expensive compared to the time spent walking around, but we got a souvenir acrylic pin, which cost quite a bit. But overall, it was okay.
2+
maryl *******
1 Jul
the best tour guide ever!!!! 1M/10. We're happy to meet her.
1+
Klook会員
1 Jul
The day I participated, there were 18 people on the tour. Wat Paknam → Lunch at Pink Ganesha → Free time → (Pink Ganesha was being replicated that day, so we also went to a nearby temple with a larger Ganesha) → Disbanded at the night market. It was a very good tour that we could enjoy all day. Our guide, Pairat, was very kind and easy to understand.
2+
Mandy ****
1 Jul
Worth every penny spent was an amazing experience and the food was top tier👌👌👌
Klook User
1 Jul
Definitely one of the highlights of our Thailand trip! My sister and I honestly did not expect much from the destinations but the smooth tour and our funny tour guide Jackson (last photo) made it memorable. We started on time, our vehicle was comfy and the drive was smooth (we slept well during transit haha). We got to appreciate the places we went to since there was no rush-- Jackson taught us "sabai sabai" meaning "taking it easy" during our stops. He also gave us tips on where to get the best deals for souvenirs and food. Thank you so much for this tour! Highlights: Floating Market- caricature drawing, coconut ice cream; Buffalo Cafe- cute buffalo, nice serene place to wind down; Maeklong Railway- cheap souvenirs + fruits!
2+
chan ***************
1 Jul
Every time I go to Bangkok, I must come here for a buffet. The food standard is very high, the choice is rich, the chef makes it with care, and it is cost-effective!
2+
cheung ********
1 Jul
delicious! ! The oysters are enough, it tastes very refreshing, the sashimi scallops and scallops are good, and the wagyu boat noodles are good, the quality of all the food is worth the price, worth encore

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FAQs about Wat Arun

How much is the entrance ticket to Wat Arun?

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What is the dress code for Wat Arun?

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What to know about Wat Arun

Things to Do at Wat Arun

Climb the Iconic Prang

The towering central structure is the highlight of Wat Arun. It's covered in colorful porcelain and offers fantastic photo ops.

Explore the Full Temple Grounds

Don't just stop at the main spire, there's a lot more to see across the peaceful temple grounds.

Snap Instagram-Worthy Photos

The intricate porcelain mosaics and unique design make this one of Bangkok's most photogenic temples.

Dress Up Thai-Style

Rent traditional Thai clothing for a fun and immersive photo experience, it adds a unique touch to your visit.

Spot the Chinese Stone Statues

These historic figures are scattered around the temple and have a fascinating trade-related origin story.

Arrive by Boat for the Full Experience

Seeing Wat Arun from the river gives you a special perspective, and a relaxing way to get there.

Tips Before Visiting Wat Arun

Follow the Dress Code

Shoulders covered, no shorts, especially important for women. Bring a scarf or light jacket just in case.

Negotiate Your Ride Fare

Don't accept the first price from Tuk Tuk drivers. Try to share with others or use a motorbike taxi for a better deal.

Use Public Transit

The MRT and riverboats make it super easy to reach Wat Arun without dealing with traffic.

Make Time to Explore

We recommend checking out the full temple complex, not just the central spire, since there are many beautiful corners to discover.

Popular Attractions Near Wat Arun 

The Grand Palace (10 minutes by boat)

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, now at the Grand Palace, was once located at Wat Arun. You'll also see similar Chinese statues at both sites.

Other Riverside Stops (5-15 minutes)

Since Wat Arun is on the Hop On Hop Off riverboat route, you can easily combine it with places like Wat Pho, Tha Maharaj Pier, or ICONSIAM.

Ayutthaya (2 hours away by train or car)

Though farther out, Ayutthaya's fall is part of Wat Arun's origin story. King Taksin arrived here at dawn after Ayutthaya's collapse, giving rise to the name Temple of Dawn.