Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn

The place in a few words

On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most recognizable temples. Known as the Temple of Dawn, it stands out for its towering central prang, decorated with pieces of porcelain and colorful ceramics. Its architecture and intricate details are well worth seeing up close.

What we loved

Wat Arun is one of those places we love returning to whenever we’re in Bangkok. The views from the opposite bank are beautiful, but we think it would be a shame to admire it only from afar. Walking around the temple grounds lets you appreciate all the intricate decorations. Our favorite moment, though, is after sunset, when the temple lights up and its reflections shimmer on the river. We never get tired of it!

Our tip

We recommend experiencing Wat Arun in two ways: visit the temple during the day, then admire it lit up from the opposite bank after sunset. For something different, you can also take an evening dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya, a lovely way to see several illuminated landmarks from the water.