Wat Arun: reviews, price and Exclusive Promo Code

+14
recos
5/5 4 reviews
158 Wang Doem Road, 10600 Bangkok, Thailand
158 Wang Doem Road, 10600 Bangkok, Thailand
Guided tours combined with other sites from 600 THB (~$16)*
Booking recommended
Exclusive discount code
AVYGEO7 -7%
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Temple Wat Arun
Détails d'un temple
Temple bouddhiste

Visiting Wat Arun

Aruna, the god of dawn in Hindu mythology, is the namesake of this landmark temple in Bangkok. Its architecture is designed to represent Mount Meru, the spiritual center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.

History

Before King Taksin arrived, the site was home to the older Wat Makok Nok temple. He ordered a complete renovation and renamed it Wat Chaeng, or the Temple of Dawn.

It was King Rama I who chose to house the famous Emerald Buddha here, though he also made the call to move it to a different location just a few years later.

Rama II and Rama III were responsible for the construction of the 85-meter central tower that defines the temple silhouette. In Buddhist architecture, these towers are known as prangs.

During the reign of Rama IV, the prangs were decorated with colorful Chinese porcelain pieces donated by local residents.

The temple underwent a major restoration project between 2012 and 2017 to preserve its structural integrity and restore its intricate exterior details.

The Wat Arun Complex

Located directly across the river from Wat Pho, the most visited site in Bangkok, Wat Arun draws a massive international crowd every year.

At the pinnacle of the central prang sits a seven-pronged trident. Legend claims it belongs to the deity Shiva. The base of this main tower is substantial, measuring just over 234 meters in circumference.

Pro Tip

Several restaurants line the banks of the Chao Phraya river directly opposite Wat Arun. Plan to grab dinner there, as the view of the temple illuminated against the night sky is worth the trip.

Guided tours combined with other sites from 600 THB (~$16)*Booking recommended
Exclusive Promo Code
AVYGEO7-7%
Check availability

Opening hours

Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Wat Arun

Add my review
Summary of 4 reviews
5/5
Average rating
+14
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.8
As a couple
5
With friends
5

Avygeo ranking

#365
in the world
#22
in Asia
#1
in Thailand
#1
in Bangkok

Stunning

Wat Arun temple is a must-see in Bangkok. We hadn't done it yet, and it really is a visit you shouldn't miss. The architecture is magnificent, different from the other temples, and the atmosphere at sunset is incredible. Getting there by boat on the Chao Phraya adds even more to the charm of the experience. Very photogenic and a nice change of scenery, I highly recommend it. Personally, I loved every temple visit. The kids were getting a bit tired of yet another temple to visit, but the boat arrival added a fun element for them.

3
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Magnificent

Wat Arun temple is absolutely magnificent and grand, a real jewel by the river. It is a place that is truly worth the trip during a stay in Bangkok.

Of course, there are a lot of people, but that is inevitable and ultimately normal. We are part of those visitors who came to admire this exceptional site ourselves. The atmosphere remains pleasant despite the crowds.

To fully enjoy the experience, I recommend going in the morning. The light is superb and the place is a bit quieter, which lets you appreciate the beauty of the site even more.

2
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A beautiful temple by the water

Another beautiful, must-see Buddhist temple in Bangkok! Wat Arun is located on the other side of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho. With its characteristic spire shape, it has a lot of charm, too. The river boat drops you off right in front, but you can save on the admission fee by just admiring it from your boat. It is particularly photogenic during sunset boat rides or in the evening when it is illuminated.

2
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Stunning, too bad about the construction work!

I went there in November 2015, and despite the construction and scaffolding, the visit is worth it. You get there by taking a ferry that costs almost nothing from the bank right across the way. It is really beautiful, especially the patterns and paintings that make up the temple! It is different from all the temples I had seen in Asia up until then!

2
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