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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Wat Arun Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | www.watarun.net |
Thailand – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Thai Baht (THB) £1 ≈ THB 44.95 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Thailand, especially in major cities. Mobile payments such as Line Pay, GrabPay, and Apple Pay are common.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, leaving 10% is common. Taxi fares are rounded up, and small tips for hotel staff are encouraged. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in Thailand, though alcohol is available in licensed venues like bars and restaurants. Laws around drinking in public can be strictly enforced in some areas. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including shopping centres and restaurants, but designated smoking areas are common. |
| Songkran (13–15 April) |
Thai New Year celebrated with water fights |
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| Father's Day (King Bhumibol Memorial Day) (5 December) |
Honours the late King Bhumibol, with ceremonies across the country |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 191 (Police), 1155 (Tourist Police), 1669 (Ambulance), 199 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Grab, Bolt |
| Other: | Thailand is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and rich history. Popular activities include visiting temples, experiencing the vibrant nightlife, and enjoying the country’s diverse cuisine. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Wat Arun, Thailand
Temple open daily 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; go early for cooler air and softer light
Don't miss
- 🌅 Climb Wat Arun’s central prang for stunning river views
- 📸 Capture the temple’s porcelain mosaics glowing at sunset
- ⛴️ Take a ferry across the Chao Phraya to the temple
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Wat Arun is a magnificent Buddhist temple known for its towering central prang, adorned with colorful porcelain and seashells that catch the morning light beautifully. Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, the temple holds significant historical and spiritual importance in Thailand.
The temple's architecture is a blend of Khmer-style prang and traditional Thai motifs, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. Visitors can climb the steep steps of the central spire for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Chao Phraya River.
The temple grounds offer peaceful gardens and opportunities to witness Thai cultural rituals, creating a serene contrast to the bustling city just across the river. Evening visits reveal the temple beautifully lit, creating a magical ambiance that's perfect for photography (with a good vantage point on the opposite shore).
Visitors should be mindful of the strict dress code requiring modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. The steep staircase can be challenging for some, so caution is advised. The temple can become crowded during peak hours and festivals, so visiting early or late in the day is recommended.
Knowledge before you go
- Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees required.
- Cross by ferry from Tha Tien pier near Grand Palace for quick access.
- Climb steep central prang early morning to avoid midday heat and crowds.
- Temple of Dawn built by Rama II/III; porcelain-decorated spires represent Mount Meru cosmology.
How to travel to Wat Arun
Wat Arun is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Visitors can arrive via taxi, tuk-tuk or reputable ride-sharing services from Suvarnami Airport or downtown Bangkok. Taking a river boat across to the temple is a popular and scenic option – boats ply regularly between Tha Tien and Wat Arun piers.
Access summary
- From Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Airport Rail Link + BTS to Saphan Taksin, boat (~60–80 min).
- From central Bangkok: BTS to Saphan Taksin, Chao Phraya boat then ferry.
- From Don Mueang (DMK): Airport bus/train + BTS to pier, then boat (~70–100 min).
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Wat Arun
Accommodation options range from hotels in central Bangkok to boutique guesthouses near the riverside, many offering convenient access to Wat Arun and other city attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
lebua at State Tower
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom
Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok
The Salil Hotel Riverside Bangkok
The Quarter Hualamphong by UHG
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside
Furama Silom Hotel Bangkok
Packing recommendations for Wat Arun
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
👛
Cash in small denominations
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
🩴
Slip-on shoes
🧦
Warm socks
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 54% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to THB) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Wat Arun in Bangkok is generally safe for visitors, with well‑patrolled tourist areas and minimal crime. Keep valuables secure, avoid isolated backstreets after dark and follow local etiquette to ensure a smooth, worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
Wat Arun in Bangkok offers limited accessibility: a few ramps and elevators serve main platforms, but many steps remain steep and uneven. Wheelchair users can navigate the central plaza, yet narrow pathways and crowds may pose challenges for mobility‑impairment visitors.
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