Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, was built in memory of Taksin, who was the 41st king and national hero of Thailand. It is recognized as one of the most iconic and beautiful temples in Thailand.
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is famous for its magnificent 79-meter-high central spire, reputed as being Thailand's Eiffel Tower, which has a unique design and fine craftsmanship. It is the best place to overlook the Chao Phraya River and enjoy the night view.
Wat Arun Facts
- Purpose: in memory of the Thai national hero — King Taksin
- Popularity: ranked as #3 for things to do in Bangkok by TripAdvisor
- Popular activities: appreciating the architecture and seeing the winding Chao Phraya River below
- Suited to: people who are fond of temples and want to know about Thailand's history
- Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Open: 8am–6pm
- Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai (almost directly opposite Wat Pho)
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
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Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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The Towering Spire — the Highlight
The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok and divides it into two areas. Many famous temples are located on the east bank but Wat Arun sits on the west bank. Its stunning towering spire is one of the landmarks of Bangkok.
Built in 1809, the 79-meter-high imposing spire is the largest Mahayana one in Thailand. The base and the tower body are square. The exterior of the spire is decorated with intricate carvings and inlaid with a variety of colorful ceramic plates, glasses, and shells that make it splendid and solemn. There are four small towers around it, forming a large and beautiful cluster of towers.
When you climb up the central spire and reach the highest point, you will see the winding Chao Phraya River beneath and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho opposite. Take care when you climb because the steps are steep. The railing will help a lot.
The Ordination Hall houses a golden Buddha image. Many Buddhists and tourists go there to worship. Make sure you dress appropriately or pick up one of the cover-ups that are available for rent near the entrance.
Every December, the temple will hold a grand fiesta, which is one of the important ceremonies of the Thai royal family.
Stunning View from the Chao Phraya River
If you wish to see the stunning view of Wat Arun or want to find a good spot to take a photo, taking a cruise on the Chao Phraya River is recommended.
In the daytime, the imposing spire sparkles under the bright sunlight. The sparkling spire and its surroundings form a wonderful picture against the blue sky.
Wat Arun creates a different scene at sunset. The setting sun shines on the spire, adding a more solemn atmosphere. In the evening, the spire is resplendent in the light.
Why It Is Called the Temple of Dawn
It is said that after King Taksin drove out the Burmese army, he traveled down the Chao Phraya River and passed the temple at dawn, at which point he gave the order to go ashore to worship in the temple. Later, he gave orders for the temple to be rebuilt and changed the name to the Temple of Dawn.
Another belief is that people think the temple's 79-meter-high spire is the first place to greet the dawn every day, which is why it was named the Temple of Dawn.
Who King Taksin Was
King Taksin was the founder of the Thonburi Kingdom, the third unified kingdom in Thai history. He was an ethnic Chinese person born in Thailand. His father was from Chaoshan, a city in Guangdong Province, China.
After the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, he recruited troops to defeat the Burmese army, pacified the separatist forces, unified the country, and established the Thonburi Kingdom, which laid the foundation for the map of modern Thailand.
On December 28, 1767, Taksin was crowned the King of the Thonburi Kingdom. He reigned for 15 years and died in 1782. Due to his love for the people as well as his benevolence, morality, and great contributions to the country and the nation, the Thai people looked up to him. Therefore, the Thai government has designated December 28th as the annual "King Taksin Day" to honor the national hero.
7-Day Central Thailand Exploration:
How to Get to Wat Arun
- By ferry: Take a ferry at Tha Tien Pier, which is near Wat Pho.
- By road: Take a tuk tuk or taxi and show the address to the driver.
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