Wat Arun

Temple Bangkok Yai, Bangkok, Thailand

What to expect

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple located in the Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and is one of the best-known landmarks in Thailand. The temple's distinctive prang, or spire, was built in the early 19th century during the reigns of Rama II and Rama III. The temple has a long history, with a Buddhist temple existing on the site since at least the 17th century. The temple has undergone several restorations, including a major restoration from 2013 to 2017. The temple is a great place to visit with family and friends, with its stunning architecture and rich history

Plan your family visit to the Wat Arun with these blog insights 👇

THAILAND with family (Bangkok+Chiang Mai)

This family's experience:

Activities: We went to Wat Arun. We climbed up separately, the children remaining halfway. We explored the monks' neighborhood behind the temple

Highlights: The children were very excited to visit. We found it very beautiful ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. We were very impressed with its structure. We got to enjoy the sunset from the other side of the river

Highlights: We enjoyed the view of the temple from the opposite side of the river while watching the sunset. The kids enjoyed seeing the temple from the boat. The colours of the sunset reflecting on the water created a peaceful scene ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We took a walk around the side of the temple and passed some monks, who immediately smiled and came over to say hello

Highlights: The kids were welcomed by the monks and invited to join other monks and children sharing food ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the temple and received a blessing from a monk

Highlights: The kids loved the peaceful atmosphere and the gardens ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Wat Arun, a temple on the banks of the river, and spent an hour or so there

Highlights: The kids found a multitude of steps to climb, temples to visit, plus a couple of cafes serving drinks and ice-cream ✨

Wat Arun. One of The Best Wats in Bangkok

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and climbed its prangs

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the river taxi ride to get there and climbing the prangs, while the parents appreciated the temple's beauty and history ✨

Wat Pho

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the temple and saw it illuminated at night

Highlights: We enjoyed the temple's beauty and the opportunity to see it from the river ✨

Bangkok with family: 15 things to do and visit with children

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Wat Arun temple, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and took a boat to get there. We climbed to the top for a great view of Bangkok

Highlights: The kids loved the boat ride and the temple's colorful decorations and giant Buddha statues ✨

One Day Bangkok Itinerary with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the temple in the morning, and were amazed by the main tower covered in multi-colored porcelain. We chose to go a bit later in the morning to avoid the sunrise crowds

Highlights: The kids were fascinated by the colorful tower ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We visited this 82-meter-high temple, which has many decorations on the outside and a great view of Bangkok

Highlights: The gardens surrounding the temple are well maintained ✨