By Lawrence Davis
Bangkok’s Riverside Icon
Rising from the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun (วัดอรุณ) is one of Bangkok’s most recognizable landmarks. Known as the Temple of Dawn, its porcelain-tiled spires sparkle in the sunlight and glow golden under evening lights. For both locals and visitors, it remains a symbol of the city’s spirit timeless, elegant, and firmly rooted on the river’s edge.
A Temple With History
Wat Arun traces its origins to the Ayutthaya period, though its most famous renovations came under King Rama II and Rama III in the 19th century. The central prang, soaring over 70 meters high, is decorated with thousands of pieces of Chinese porcelain, creating a shimmering mosaic effect. Climbing its steep steps was once a rite of passage for those seeking sweeping views of the river and Grand Palace across the water.
A Place of Worship and Wonder
Despite its popularity, Wat Arun is still a functioning temple where monks live and worship. Morning prayers and almsgiving continue much as they have for centuries, giving the site a rhythm that’s spiritual as well as touristic. Visitors who arrive early can catch the temple bathed in soft light, its nickname — the Temple of Dawn — coming vividly to life.
Visiting in 2025
Today, Wat Arun is accessible via river ferry, making it one of the easiest temples to include in a day’s sightseeing. Evening is especially magical, when the temple glows against the twilight sky and dinner cruises sail past its lit-up silhouette. Entry remains affordable, and guides are available for those wanting more context.
In 2025, Wat Arun isn’t just an Instagram favorite. It’s a reminder that Bangkok’s cultural heart still beats along the river, where history and beauty meet every sunrise.
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Lawrence Davis is a Bangkok-based lifestyle writer.