Welcome to the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Tour
Welcome to the Wat Arun tour, a professionally-narrated walking tour! Wat Arun temple is the oldest temple in Bangkok. You will learn about the significance of this oldest temple, its god Aruna (sun), central prang, colored porcelain, the stupa, seashells, and Mount Meru. This temple housed Emerald Buddha for a short time. Enjoy climbing up on the tall pagoda.
About the Tour
Welcome to the Wat Arun Self-Guided Walking Tour, a professionally-narrated walking tour! This sacred site, known as the Temple of the Dawn, sits along the mighty Chao Phraya River. It is one of the most stunning religious structures in the world.
This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) with maximum flexibility and value. You’ll learn about what makes this temple special in a city full of temples.
This self-guided audio tour begins at both entrances, so it doesn’t matter where you start. Be sure to download the Action Tour Guide app beforehand (check your email for the link) so that you can start walking as soon as you arrive. You begin the tour of bustling Bangkok at the Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, or Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in the Yai district of Bangkok.
Experience Bangkok, Thailand, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Explore the main cloister of the temple Wat Arun complex contains more than 100 Buddha images. It also has Buddha’s footprint. A flight of steps leads up to the chamber, where a copy of Buddha’s footprint is carved in stone and decorated with porcelain.
King Taksin envisioned wat Arun in 1768. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was taken over by a Burmese army at the time, he arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. He later had the temple renovated and renamed it the Temple of the Dawn.
Next, we’ll continue walking along the set route shown in the app and explore the grounds. This includes other temples in the complex, intricate statues and the sacred footprint of the Buddha. Our tour finally ends at the beautiful Ordination Hall on the grounds of Wat Arun.
Starting Point Address: Wat Arun Ferry Pier, 34 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
How does it work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Welcome
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History of the Temple of Dawn
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Stairs to Upper Terraces
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The Buddha's Footprint
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Ordination Hall (Ubosot) Entrance Gate
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Ordination Hall (Ubosot)
Preview the Tour
History of the "Temple of Dawn" Audio Story
Grand Pagoda (Prang) Audio Story
Tour FAQs
The best time to visit Wat Arun is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight enhances the temple’s beauty.
Yes, Wat Arun is open in the evenings, and visiting at night allows you to see the temple beautifully illuminated along the Chao Phraya River.
The duration of the self-guided tour at Wat Arun can vary, but most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the temple complex.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to enter Wat Arun. Visitors should check the current admission fees before their tour.
While this is a self-guided tour, guided tours with local experts are also available for visitors who prefer in-depth insights into the temple.
Some of the must-see highlights include the central prang, the porcelain decorations, Buddha statues, and the Ordination Hall.
Yes, visitors are typically allowed to take photographs of the temple’s stunning architecture and surroundings.
Yes, visitors should dress modestly when entering temples in Thailand. This typically means covering shoulders, knees, and cleavage.
Yes, the self-guided tour will provide you with a specific route to follow, ensuring you don’t miss any of the temple’s significant points of interest.
Visitors should show respect for the religious site by removing their shoes before entering temple buildings and by speaking quietly and respectfully while on the premises.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
- Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on next trip. Never expires.
- Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
- At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace.
- Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
- Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Exclusions:
- Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
- Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
- Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
Hours
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