Wat Arun

About Wat Arun

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok Yai, directly across from Wat Pho and the Tha Tien pier. Its central Khmer-style prang rises roughly 70 to 82 metres (sources differ) and is covered in fragments of Chinese porcelain and seashells, once used as ballast on boats from China. Four smaller prangs stand around it, and the grounds include an ordination hall and a riverside terrace.

You walk the courtyards, look closely at the porcelain flowers on the prang, and climb the very steep steps to the second terrace for river views. The ordination hall holds a Niramitr Buddha image designed by Rama II. Foreign visitors pay 200 THB (cash, small notes are best); Thai nationals enter free. Many visitors rent Thai costumes nearby for photos, and the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien costs only a few baht.

It works well as a date because it is photogenic, compact and easy to pair with a boat ride, Wat Pho or a riverside dinner. Guides suggest 8:00 to 9:00 am for cool air and quiet, or 3:30 to 5:30 pm for golden light. After closing, the classic view of the lit-up prang at sunset is from a cafe or rooftop bar on the opposite bank.

Why it works for a date

• Striking porcelain-covered central prang
• Panoramic river views from the terrace
• Beautiful at golden hour and sunset
• Easy to combine with Wat Pho by ferry

Good to be aware of

• Very busy midday with tour groups and costume photo shoots
• Steep, narrow steps on the prang
• Harsh sun and heat around noon

Don't miss

Central Prang Included in 200 THB entryThe porcelain- and seashell-studded tower that gives Wat Arun its skyline shape. You can climb the steep steps to the second terrace for views over the river.