Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun)

Named for the Hindu god Aruna who is said to emulate the rising sun, this Buddhist temple was built in the era of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, an ancient Siamese city-state. It’s now one of Thailand’s top landmarks, attracting visitors who come to wander the complex and its interior and those who clamber up the steep steps to enjoy unparalleled vistas of Bangkok’s skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River.

With its location on the river’s western bank, Wat Arun is best enjoyed from a canal cruise. Opt for a half-day longtail boat tour to see the temple along with top Bangkok attractions such as Chinatown, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). To see Temple of the Dawn lit up with the sunset’s golden glow, choose a dinner cruise; to view the temple from land, join a bike or tuk-tuk tour of the city.

• Wat Arun is an important place of worship, so be sure to dress appropriately for your visit. Modest clothing (covered shoulders and long pants or a skirt) is a must. Cover-ups can be rented near the temple’s entrance.

• Entering the complex requires a small fee.

• Remember to bring sun protection and comfortable shoes for scaling the steps.

• Be prepared to wait your turn to climb the central spire (prang) and make way for visitors heading back down. The experience is not well suited for those scared of heights or visitors with limited mobility.

The Temple of Dawn is located on the Chao Phraya River’s west bank, across from the Grand Palace. The easiest way to reach the temple is by water taxi from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. By road from the city center, head to the west side of the Chao Phraya River by way of the Phra Pin-klao Bridge, then follow the waterway south on Arum Amarin Road.

It’s possible to see the temple at dawn, but the central prang and wider temple complex typically opens at 8:30am. Opt for a sunrise visit to explore the exterior and beat the crowds (and the heat).

While the temple’s intricate exterior details are an obvious draw, its interior is also full of wonder. Don’t miss the incense-scented Ordination Hall and its prominently seated golden Buddha, the towering mosaic-lined chambers of the secluded Prayer Hall, or the human-sized Buddha’s footprint.

Wat Arun is located on the Chao Phraya River’s west bank. Take the Silom BTS line to Saphan Taksin Station, then a boat from Sathorn Pier to Tha Tien Pier, and then the cross-river ferry. By road, take the Phra Pin-klao Bridge to the west side of the river, then go south on Arum Amarin Road.

Yes. Wat Arun is an active place of worship, so to enter you should wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders, arms, and legs. Cover-ups can be rented from a shop near the entrance to the temple. You also must remove shoes before entering certain parts of the temple.

Yes, you can climb the central tower (prang) at Wat Arun, which offers sweeping views of the temple grounds, Chao Phraya River, and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho across the river. There is often a wait, and those with mobility issues or a fear of heights should not climb.

You can’t miss the large central spire, with steep steps that you can climb. Look closely to see the colorful murals made from Chinese porcelain and seashells. The holiest site is the Ordination Hall, which houses a golden seated Buddha and murals depicting Buddha’s life in the Prayer Hall.

Wat Arun is known as the Temple of Dawn, but visiting the temple around sunset offers stunning views. Stay after sunset to see the temple lit up with lights. Or, opt for a visit to the temple first thing in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds.

Yes, Wat Arun is located close to two other popular tourist attractions. Just across the Chao Phraya River from Wat Arun is the Grand Palace (also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew) and Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.