Is Wat Arun worth it?
Worth itLives up to the hype · +3Riverside temple with a porcelain-tiled central prang you can partly climb
Worth it. 4.7 from 45k reviews; several reviewers call it the most impressive temple of their trip.
Hype67How famous and hyped it is
Reality70Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.7 ★ Google · 45,434 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Wat Arun? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
Bangkok's most photogenic temple and cheap to enter; combine with Wat Pho.
Why Reality is 70
Lives up to its fame4/54.7 from 45k reviews; several reviewers call it the most impressive temple of their trip.
Value for money4/5About $6 for one of the most striking temples in Asia; water included.
Can’t get it elsewhere4/5The porcelain-encrusted Khmer-style prang is unlike anything else in the city.
Easy to do3/5Requires a ferry that can have long queues; crowds and costume shoots at peak times; steep climb.
What people loved
Spectacular porcelain-mosaic prang that many reviewers rate above any other Bangkok templeCheap ticket (฿200) for a top-tier landmarkRiver views from the prang terraces and great late-afternoon lightEasy pairing with Wat Pho via a 3-minute ferryWhat wore them down
Crowded, especially with costume photo shootsLong, chaotic queues for river ferries at peak timesSteep stairs on the prang; no lift and no climbing after sunsetCostume-rental touts outside; prices need bargainingBest seen from across the river at sunset, which costs nothingKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Walk-in tickets at the gate.
Entry฿200 per person (about $6); reviewers report it includes a small bottle of water and a hand stamp for re-entrySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaily 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; last entry 5:30 p.m.; no climbing after sunsetSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Dress codeKnees and shoulders covered; shoes off in sacred halls such as the ordination hallSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Climbing the prangSteep stairs, no elevator; lower terraces onlySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationNot needed; walk-in ticketsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time neededAbout 1 hour; around 3 hours if you rent a Thai costume for photosSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting there3-minute cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier (by Wat Pho); BTS Saphan Taksin + Chao Phraya Express boat, about 30–40 min from SiamSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
In their words
“Wat Arun was simply spectacular. It felt much more impressive than any other temple I visited.”
“Quite crowded. The blue boat is chaotic and the queue is so long, do not recommend.”
“Wat Arun is a truly beautiful place, but it gets very crowded.”
“The atmosphere is peaceful despite being a popular tourist attraction, and the views of the Chao Phraya River make the experience even more special.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much does Wat Arun cost?
฿200 per person; reviewers say a small bottle of water is included.
What are Wat Arun's opening hours?
Daily 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., last entry 5:30 p.m.
How do you get to Wat Arun from Wat Pho?
Walk to Tha Tien pier and take the 3-minute cross-river ferry.
Can you climb Wat Arun?
Yes, the lower terraces of the prang via steep stairs; no climbing after sunset.
When is the best time to visit Wat Arun?
8–10 a.m. for cooler weather and thinner crowds, or 4–6 p.m. for golden-hour light.
