Wat Arun
Wat Arun is known for the 82-metre porcelain prang on the Thonburi bank. Best as a morning climb or a sunset view from Tha Tien, using the 5 THB ferry rather than a taxi loop.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam stands on the Thonburi bank, facing Wat Pho. Foreign adults pay 200 THB in 2026. Grounds are open 08:00 to 18:00. The central prang is about 82 metres and faced in Chinese porcelain and seashell. The stairs are steep. Wear shoes that stay on. The climb can close in rain or for repairs; the riverside terrace still works.
The useful crossing is the local ferry from Tha Tien Pier, next to Wat Pho, to Tha Arun. It is 5 THB and about 5 minutes. Chao Phraya Express boats also stop at Tha Arun (N11) if you are already on the river. A taxi from Rattanakosin has to use a bridge and wastes the point.
Morning climb versus sunset from the other bank
Climb in the morning if the stairs are the point and the tiles are cooler. Stay on the Wat Pho or Tha Tien side at dusk if you want the prang lit across the water. You cannot do a long climb and a long sunset drink in the same hour. Pick one.
| Plan | Where you stand | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Morning climb | On the prang terraces | Heat and stairs. Clearer tiles. |
| Sunset from Tha Tien | Bangkok bank cafes and the pier | No climb. The postcard view. |
| Both banks, no climb | Ferry over, terrace, ferry back | About 45 minutes plus the 200 THB ticket |
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Common questions
- Is the climb included in the 200 THB ticket?
- Yes when the stairs are open. Rain and repairs shut them. The ticket still covers the terraces and halls.
- Can you see Wat Arun without crossing?
- Yes, from Tha Tien and the Bangkok-bank cafes. You miss the porcelain close-up and the 200 THB climb.
- Express boat or the 5 THB ferry?
- The local Tha Tien ferry if you are already at Wat Pho. The Express boat if you are coming from Sathorn or Thewet.