Wat Arun

Wat Arun - the most important information

Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Its name translates to Temple of Dawn, and it is one of the best-known landmarks of Thailand.

About Wat Arun

There has been a Buddhist temple in that place ever since the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The temple was restored during the reign of Rama II and the main prang was completed in 1851 during the reign of Rama III. The temple was also restored during the reign of Chulalongkorn in 1980 and from 2013 to 2017 when the prang was restored. The central prang has a height between 66.8 m and 86 m, and on the top of it there is a seven-pronged trident. There are also four smaller satellite prang that surround the central one, and they are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain.

What to see at Wat Arun?

The architecture of the Wat Arun temple is different from the other ones in Bangkok, and it looks stunning at sunset. Here are some of the thing you have to see when visiting Wat Arun:

The Entrance of the Ordination Hall - the entrance to the Ubosot is decorated with an archway with the crown. There are two huge statues at each side of the entrance representing the Yakshas.
The Ordination Hall - inside the Ubosot you can find the main Buddha image that is said to have been designed by Rama II himself. There are also murals depicting the Buddha encountering birth, old age, sickness, and death.
Phra Prang - the tower is adorned with floral murals made of glazed porcelain. You can climb up to the middle level of the pagoda and enjoy the view of Chao Phraya River, Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

Tickets and opening hours of Wat Arun

Tickets - the entrance fee is 100 Baht.
Opening hours - the temple is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.

How to get to Wat Arun?

The best way to get to Wat Arun is by boat because there is a pier next to it, Wat Arun Ratchawararam. Alternatively, a bus stop, Wat Arun Ratchawararam, two blocks away from the temple, on Arun Amarin Rd.

What should you know before visiting Wat Arun?

Here are the things you should know before visiting Wat Arun:

There is a dress code. Wat Arun is a sacred place, so you should cover your shoulders and knees. Also, behave politely and be respectful.
Women should keep their distance from the monks.
Don’t believe it if someone says that the temple is closed. They probably want to scam you and take you to a different place where they have a commission.
You are allowed to take photographs.