Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most recognizable landmarks, its central prang rising in ornate ceramic-and-porcelain-covered tiers above the Chao Phraya River in the Bangkok Yai district.
The temple predates the founding of Bangkok itself and takes its name from Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, a fitting name given how the structure catches the morning and evening light across the river. Visitors can climb partway up the steep central prang for river views, and the site is easily reached by cross-river ferry from Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho.
Wat Arun is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry around 5:30 PM. Admission is a modest walk-up fee at the entrance, and modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required.
