Wat Arun (river pier)

About Wat Arun (river pier)

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, stands on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok Yai, opposite Wat Pho. Its central Khmer-style prang rises about 70 metres and is covered in pieces of Chinese porcelain and seashells set in floral patterns that glitter in the light. The temple once held the Emerald Buddha before it moved to Wat Phra Kaew in 1785.

Most people arrive on the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier (N8), which costs a few baht and takes under five minutes. Entry is 200 baht for foreigners, and Thai nationals enter free. You can climb the steep lower terraces of the prang for river views and see the ordination hall. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and cover-ups can be rented at the gate.

It is one of the most romantic riverside settings in Bangkok. Go early morning for fewer crowds and soft light, or late afternoon into sunset, then watch the prang lit up after dark from a bar or restaurant on the Tha Tien side. Plan 45 minutes to 1.5 hours inside.

Why it works for a date

• Stunning porcelain-covered prang
• Great river views from the terraces
• Beautiful at sunset and lit up at night
• Quick, cheap ferry ride over

Good to be aware of

• Busy at sunset
• Steep, narrow stairs on the prang
• Some reviewers warn of scams nearby

Don't miss

Central prang 200 THB entryThe 70-metre spire covered in porcelain and seashells; climb the steep lower terraces for views over the river toward the Grand Palace.