Brief History
Wat Arun, named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn, is one of the oldest and best known tourist sites in Bangkok. It dates back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom period but has gone through many changes over the centuries. The temple's most distinctive feature, the central prang (Khmer-style tower), was built during the first half of the 19th century during the reign of King Rama II.
What to Expect
The main feature of Wat Arun is its tall, elaborately decorated prang, standing roughly 70 meters high. The corners are surrounded by four smaller satellite prangs. The prangs are decorated with seashells and bits of porcelain, which were used as ballast by boats coming from China.
The central prang represents Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain at the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. The base of the prang is decorated with figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan, his three-headed elephant.
If you're fit and giddy, you can climb the steep and narrow steps of the central prang to the highest level and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River.
The Ordination Hall, with the Niramitr Buddha image supposedly designed by King Rama II, is also worth a visit. The front entrance of the Ordination Hall has a roof with a central spire, decorated in colored ceramic and stuccowork sheated in colored china. There are two demons, or temple guardian figures, in front.
Tips for Visitors
- Opening Hours: Wat Arun is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Entrance Fee: There is a small fee of 50 baht (as of 2021) to enter the temple grounds.
- Dress Appropriately: This is a religious site, so dress modestly. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- Climbing the Prang: The steps leading up to the top of the prang are very steep, so be careful. The climb isn't recommended for those with mobility issues.
- Photography: Wat Arun is a photographer's dream, especially at sunrise and sunset. However, remember to be respectful and avoid any inappropriate poses with the Buddha statues or other religious symbols.
- Stay Hydrated: Bangkok can be quite hot and humid, so make sure to bring a bottle of water.
Wat Arun is not only a significant symbol of Bangkok, but it's also a place of tranquility and peace, allowing you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful temple!
Directions to Wat Arun
- Walk to Thong Lo BTS station: (open in map) Exit the hotel and head west along Soi Sukhumvit 34. After approximately 450 meters, turn left onto Soi Sukhumvit 36. Continue onto Soi Sukhumvit 38. The Thong Lo BTS station will be on your left. This walk should take around 10 minutes.
- Travel to Saphan Taksin BTS station: Board the BTS Skytrain at Thong Lo station. You will be traveling on the Sukhumvit Line in the direction towards Kheha. (trains on map)Get off the train at Siam station and transfer to the Silom Line. Then, continue on the Silom Line in the direction towards Bang Wa and get off at Saphan Taksin station. The total BTS journey should take around 30 minutes.
- Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat: From Saphan Taksin station, walk to the nearby Sathorn (Taksin) Pier. From here, you can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien Pier (open on maps). Look for the boat with an orange flag, as this is the main tourist line and it stops at Tha Tien.
- Cross the river to Wat Arun: Once you arrive at Tha Tien Pier, you need to take a cross-river ferry to get to Wat Arun. The ferry terminal is located just to the left of Tha Tien Pier and the short boat ride across the river costs a few baht and takes only a couple of minutes.
Best Practices
- Leave early: Wat Arun can get busy, so it's best to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Dress respectfully: Wat Arun is a religious site, so dress modestly. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- Stay hydrated: Bangkok can be hot and humid, so bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
- Pay the entrance fee: There's a small entrance fee to enter Wat Arun, so have some cash on hand.