By NaJade · DJ in Bangkok · Published October 20, 2026
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is open daily from 8am to 6pm and costs 200 baht for foreign visitors. The easiest way there is the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier, next to Wat Pho, which takes a few minutes and costs a few baht. Cover your shoulders and knees, go early to beat the heat, and come back to the opposite riverbank at sunset for the classic view.
I’ve been past Wat Arun more times than I can count — on the river boat, from rooftop bars on the other bank, on the way home from late gigs when it’s lit up gold over the water. It’s one of the few Bangkok landmarks that’s genuinely as beautiful as the photos. It’s also simple to visit once you know how the ferry, the dress code and the timing work.
Wat Arun is open 8am–6pm daily, and foreign visitors pay 200 baht. Take the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier, beside Wat Pho. Cover shoulders and knees. Arrive at 8am for cooler air and fewer crowds, then watch it light up at sunset from the Tha Tien side of the river.
Wat Arun Tickets, Hours and Dress Code
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 8:00am–6:00pm daily; last entry around 5:30pm |
| Entrance fee | 200 baht for foreign visitors; young children enter free |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered; no see-through or very tight clothing |
| Cover-ups | Sarongs available to rent at the entrance for a small fee and deposit |
| Time needed | 45–90 minutes for the grounds and main prang |
| Location | Thonburi, west bank of the Chao Phraya, opposite Wat Pho |
Prices and hours can change, especially around festivals and royal ceremonies, so check on the day if your plans are tight. For outfits that work at every temple — and in the heat — see what to wear in Bangkok. Remove your shoes before entering the ordination hall, and keep your voice down around worshippers.
How to Get to Wat Arun
- Get to the river. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and walk to Sathorn pier, or take the MRT Blue Line to Sanam Chai, a short walk from Tha Tien.
- Ride the Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) north from Sathorn to Tha Tien pier (N8). How the flags and fares work is covered in the Chao Phraya Express Boat guide.
- Cross the river. At Tha Tien, the small cross-river ferry runs every few minutes to Wat Arun pier. It costs a few baht and the crossing takes around five minutes.
- Or stay on the west bank. MRT Itsaraphap station is about a 15-minute walk away, useful if you’re coming from the Thonburi side.
A taxi or Grab works too, but traffic around the old town is slow and the river is faster, cheaper and more fun. Background on the river network is on Wikipedia’s Chao Phraya Express Boat page.
What to See Inside
- The central prang. The tall Khmer-style tower at the heart of the temple, covered in pieces of coloured Chinese porcelain and seashells arranged into flowers. Up close, the detail is extraordinary.
- The steep steps. Visitors can usually climb part of the way up the central prang. The steps are very steep and narrow — take it slowly, especially coming down.
- The four smaller prangs surrounding the main tower, each with its own niches and statues.
- The ordination hall (ubosot), with its Buddha image and murals, guarded by giant demon figures at the gates.
- The riverside promenade, the best spot for photos of the prang with the water in the foreground.
The temple’s name comes from Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, and the site dates back to the Ayutthaya era; the prang you see today was built up in the early 19th century. The Wikipedia article on Wat Arun covers the full history.
Best Time to Visit
| Time | Why | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00–9:30am | Cooler, quieter, soft light on the porcelain | Nothing — this is the sweet spot |
| 10am–3pm | Easy to combine with Wat Pho and the Grand Palace | Heat, tour groups, glare |
| 4–6pm | Golden light on the prang | Last entry around 5:30pm |
| Sunset, from across the river | The iconic silhouette view | Rooftop bars on the Tha Tien side fill up early |
November to February is the most comfortable season. The rainy months bring dramatic skies but slippery steps. More on seasons in the best time to visit Bangkok.
Combine It With Wat Pho and the Grand Palace
Wat Arun sits directly across the river from Wat Pho, which is a short walk from the Grand Palace. A classic half-day route: Grand Palace at opening, Wat Pho late morning, lunch near Tha Tien, then the ferry to Wat Arun in the afternoon and back across for sunset. It’s a lot of walking in the heat, so carry water and take breaks in the shade. For a fuller plan, see Bangkok in 3 days.
A Note From NaJade
The best Wat Arun moment I’ve had wasn’t inside the temple at all. I was setting up for a gig at a riverside venue, looked up during soundcheck, and the prang was lighting up gold against a purple sky. Everyone in the room stopped and just watched. My advice: visit inside in the morning when it’s quiet and cool, then come back to the other bank in the evening and see it from a distance. Dress respectfully, take the steps slowly, and give yourself time to sit by the river. It’s a working temple, not just a photo spot, and it feels better when you treat it that way. Before you go, read Thai etiquette for visitors.
More: Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, the Chao Phraya Express Boat, and things to do in Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions
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About the Author
NaJade is a Bangkok-based DJ playing progressive house, melodic EDM, pop, and Thai music across clubs, rooftops, and weddings in Thailand — and has lived in the city long enough to have made every one of these mistakes at least once. Find him on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
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