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Boat along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to visit Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn
Published by Mary Chong, Writer
Country: Thailand 
The Experience
The Chao Phraya River in Bangkok is simply the easiest, cheapest and fastest mode of getting to any of the major Wat (temple) sites in Bangkok. Anyone that's been to Bangkok is instantly struck by one feeling: traffic congestion—be it from people, cars, tuk tuks or motorcycles. So, what better way to travel as the locals do, avoid the traffic and the heat, and see the sights along the river, than by taking a ride on one of the many Chao Phraya River ferries or longtail boats to the popular Wat Arun temple.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates a regular ferry service as well as a special tourist boat service with commentary. A one-day all-you-can-ride pass is available on the tourist boat, and will give you ample time to visit all the major Wats along the Chao Phraya River including Wat Arun. Otherwise, the fee varies according to the distance travelled and the type of boat. Look out for the flags on the boats, as different colours denote different routes and pier stops available, so make sure that you get on the right boat going in the right direction.
When our ferry boat pulled up along the west shore of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, I could imagine what King Rama II saw when he first arrived in 1809 at this very spot, inspired as he was to build the Buddhist temple Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn. It is said that from the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River, the Temple of Dawn glistens in the sunlight during the day and stands dark and noble at dawn or dusk. Wat Arun is best seen from the other side of the Chao Phraya River, as up close it seems smaller than it actually is.
The peaceful grounds of the monastery and the gardens are quite expansive. There are multiple pavilions, halls and shrines that contain Buddha images and murals. Temple guardians and warrior demon statues protect many of the buildings, but there are other statues for viewing throughout the area, such as Chinese animals, soldiers and mythical gods.
Near the entrance of Wat Arun there is a little display of amulets for sale. Each symbol on the amulet is meant for different purposes: success, love, business, etc., and upon buying the amulet, a monk is available to bestow a special blessing upon it and the new owner.
The main attraction of Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn (and what gets photographed the most when visiting Bangkok) is the Phra Prang or central tower surrounded by four smaller prangs. The Phar Prang toewr is 81 meters high and contains three viewing levels or terraces. Only the first level is open to the public, but if you climb up the steep stairs to the “balcony,” you will get a great view of the Chao Praya River and of the city of Bangkok. Built in the Cambodian Khmer style, similar to the temples of Angkor Wat, the towers are built of brick and covered in stucco. The exterior is then decorated with thousands of pieces of Chinese porcelain tiles in multiple colours.
Restoration and preservation at Wat Arun temple is ongoing, and you can see the restorers hard at work using traditional bamboo scaffolding.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates a regular ferry service as well as a special tourist boat service with commentary. A one-day all-you-can-ride pass is available on the tourist boat, and will give you ample time to visit all the major Wats along the Chao Phraya River including Wat Arun. Otherwise, the fee varies according to the distance travelled and the type of boat. Look out for the flags on the boats, as different colours denote different routes and pier stops available, so make sure that you get on the right boat going in the right direction.
When our ferry boat pulled up along the west shore of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, I could imagine what King Rama II saw when he first arrived in 1809 at this very spot, inspired as he was to build the Buddhist temple Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn. It is said that from the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River, the Temple of Dawn glistens in the sunlight during the day and stands dark and noble at dawn or dusk. Wat Arun is best seen from the other side of the Chao Phraya River, as up close it seems smaller than it actually is.
The peaceful grounds of the monastery and the gardens are quite expansive. There are multiple pavilions, halls and shrines that contain Buddha images and murals. Temple guardians and warrior demon statues protect many of the buildings, but there are other statues for viewing throughout the area, such as Chinese animals, soldiers and mythical gods.
Near the entrance of Wat Arun there is a little display of amulets for sale. Each symbol on the amulet is meant for different purposes: success, love, business, etc., and upon buying the amulet, a monk is available to bestow a special blessing upon it and the new owner.
The main attraction of Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn (and what gets photographed the most when visiting Bangkok) is the Phra Prang or central tower surrounded by four smaller prangs. The Phar Prang toewr is 81 meters high and contains three viewing levels or terraces. Only the first level is open to the public, but if you climb up the steep stairs to the “balcony,” you will get a great view of the Chao Praya River and of the city of Bangkok. Built in the Cambodian Khmer style, similar to the temples of Angkor Wat, the towers are built of brick and covered in stucco. The exterior is then decorated with thousands of pieces of Chinese porcelain tiles in multiple colours.
Restoration and preservation at Wat Arun temple is ongoing, and you can see the restorers hard at work using traditional bamboo scaffolding.
When to Go to Wat Arun
If you time it right, Wat Arun Festival occurs annually in November and features traditional entertainment and food.
Odds n' Ends
The full name of the temple is “Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan,” but (thankfully) it is most commonly known simply as Wat Arun.
Wat Arun opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and there is a small entrance fee for foreigners.
Pay attention to "Reserved Seating for Monks Only" on the river ferry, and if standing or sitting near a monk, do not touch or brush against their robe as it is forbidden.
Wat Arun opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and there is a small entrance fee for foreigners.
Pay attention to "Reserved Seating for Monks Only" on the river ferry, and if standing or sitting near a monk, do not touch or brush against their robe as it is forbidden.
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Your cruising tour will stop at the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, which is one of the Bangkok's most iconic landmarks and the most ...
Starting from $46.57 per person.
Starting from $46.57 per person.
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