Did you plan a stay in the country of a smile, over Bangkok? So impossible to make the impasse on the Wat Arun temple, nicknamed the temple of dawn. Here’s all you need to know to visit the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok!
There is a great chance that during your stay in Thailand, you pass through its effervescent capital: Bangkok. This megalopolis of 19.5 million inhabitants fascinates by so much contrast! It is both an ultra modern city, but it has kept its charms, mysteries and traditions. Indeed, the city holds more than 400 Buddhist temples.
Among the must-sees is the Wat Arun temple, a true splendour of history and architecture, located in the Bangkok Yai district, on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River. The view from its top, at sunrise or sunset, is simply breathtaking! So to help you visit the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, and pierce all its secrets, we have prepared a mini-guide with all the important information to know.
History of the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok
Photo credit: Flickr – Szymon Kochański
The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara... You don't want it if we use its much more known diminutive (and simpler): Wat Arun.
His name was given to him in honour of the goddess of Indou mythology: Aruna , goddess of the Dawn. The Wat Arun temple in Bangkok is an architectural representation of Mont Meru, the center of the world for Buddhists. For them, Mont Meru represents both the center of the universe and the uniqueness of the mind.
The original temple, named Wat Mokok (Temple of Olives), was built when Ayutthaya was still the capital of the kingdom. It was king Taksin who transformed the first little temple into a royal chapel, and named him Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During the reign of Rama I, the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok hosted the famous Emerald Buddha between 1778 and 1784, before being transferred to Wat Pra Kaeo temple. Rama II and Rama III, on the other hand, built the central prang of 80 meters high and 234 meters of circumference, and Rama IV gave it its current name: Wat Arunratchawararam. It is also in Rama IV that the central prang owes its incredible originality and beauty: that of being covered with Chinese porcelain fragments. In addition, between 2013 and 2017, important restoration works were carried out, during which many broken tiles were replaced.
This temple is today one of the emblems of the city of Bangkok! You will find it on certain coins and as a logo of the Thailand Tourist Office.
What to see and do at the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok?
Photo credit: Flickr – VasenkaPhotography
Visiting the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok is visiting one of Thailand’s most remarkable monuments. Its Khmer style differs from other temples in the capital. This site is certainly very touristic, but here, no interactive map, application, or audioguide to help you during your visit. You will only need your eyes to admire this historic masterpiece.
The Wat Arun temple in Bangkok contains several parts to admire:
The entrance
The entrance to the building is guarded by 2 mythical giant statues, which you can also find at Wat Phra Kaew or at Wat Phra Kaew Grand Palais .
Central Prang
With a height of about 80 m, the central Prang is in fact an elongated tower of Khmer style, which perfectly characterizes the architecture of Thai temples. Its beauty comes mainly from the multicolored porcelain, which covers it entirely.
The stairs and platforms of the central Prang
If you don’t have vertigo, then take the steep stairs of the main prang, which lead to the two terraces that form the base of the Prang. For Buddhists, the inclination of these stairs symbolizes the difficulty of reaching the higher levels of existence. The 2 terraces you will reach, in addition to offering you a magnificent view of the city as well as on the Royal Palace , you will discover beautiful statues of the Buddha and the Hindu god Indra.
The 4 little Prangs
The four outer corners are small Prangs that contain statues of Phra Phai, the god of the wind. Each represents teaching, illumination, birth and meditation.
Book your visit to the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok
How to go to the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok?
There are several ways to get to the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, located in the district Bangkok Yai , on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River. The exact address to get there is: 158 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand .
The Wat Arun temple in Bangkok is accessible either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from the Tha Tien Pier, near another famous temple: Wat Pho .
- Skytrain + boat: the simplest and fastest
– Take the Silom line of the Skytrain BTS and get off at the station Saphan Taksin . Take Exit Number 2. - Take the public boat “Chao Phraya Express Boat” (16 bahts for one ride) to Tha Tien station (Station No. 8). - Arrived at Tha Tien, take a shuttle boat to reach the shore of Wat Arun (2 minutes of crossing for about 3 baht)
- By bus
Bus number 1, 25, 44, 47, 62 and 91 serve the Tha Tien boat, from which you can take a shuttle boat to reach the temple. The buses 19, 57 and 83 serve directly the Wat Arun.
- In tuk tuk
You are in Bangkok, the city specialist excursions in tuk tuk ! You'll probably be staggered by those drivers who want to bring you (for a much higher price than reality) or you seem. For an authentic experience, ask them to drive you to the pier to take the shuttle.
Timetables & Rates of the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok
Photo credit: Unsplash –
Jordan Opel
HORARI
The temple is open every day 08:30 to 17:30 .
RATES
The entrance will cost you 50 Baht , fixed price for tourists. Admission is free for Thai citizens.
Book your visit to the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok
BON A LEARN
- If you want to visit the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok without too many people, it is advisable to go starting at 8:30 am, before the whole crowd arrives.
- Also, if you want to attend a striking show, we advise you to go there sunset, when the sun lies behind the temple.
- For a beautiful show, a little different, you can contemplate the panorama from the shore of the... It is freeAnd magical!
- ♪ stairs to climb on the terraces of the Prang Central are very steep... Look out if you're dizzy.
- Attention to Slaughter near the Wat Arun which offer guided tours or objects for sale at exaggerated prices.
- A sacred place for Thais, it is therefore necessary to respect an elementary knowledge and to live disappointment.
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