We hadn’t really planned to stop at Wat Arun first. The idea was to hit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, then swing by Wat Arun later. But as the river boat drifted along the Chao Phraya, we saw it glowing in the morning light and decided to hop off early. Totally worth the detour.
The temple is impressive as soon as you see it up close. The main spire is covered in colorful porcelain tiles that shine when the sun hits just right. It’s wild to think those little pieces were once cargo on trading ships from China.
We climbed up the main tower (yes, the steps are steep), and the views at the top were amazing—panoramic scenes of the river and Bangkok’s skyline. If you don’t love heights, maybe stay on the lower levels, but the climb is short and doable.
Inside the smaller temple buildings, there are murals that show scenes from Buddhist stories. We had a quick chat with one of the monks, who was friendly and offered a few interesting facts about the temple’s history and what it means to locals.
If you go, try to visit early to beat the crowds and the heat. Dress respectfully—no tank tops or short shorts—and bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. There’s not much shade, and the stairs can be a bit much if you’re carrying a lot.
Wat Arun ended up being one of the highlights of our day. It’s easy to reach, super photogenic, and has a calm vibe that makes you want to slow down and take it all in.
