15 things to do around Wat Arun
These ideas cluster around the Chao Phraya, on both banks. The temples on the list are close together. The canal and Artist House stops are farther away and need their own transport, so treat the list as a menu, not a walking route.
If you want to see several river sights from the water, look at the Chao Phraya river cruises first. Day boats and dinner cruises cover a different set of stops than the ferry.
At and around Wat Arun
Start on the west bank.
1. Look closely at the prang
The main tower is covered in decorative pieces of Chinese ceramic. The details repay a slow walk around the base. Do not count on climbing to the top. The prang page explains what is open and the different heights given for the tower.
2. See the temple buildings and guardian figures
Besides the tower, the grounds hold further temple buildings and decorated figures. Whether a building is open inside can change, so enjoy the outside first.
3. Cross to Wat Pho
Wat Pho has the 46 m reclining Buddha and its own ticket at THB 300. Read the Wat Pho page for hours and the massage school.
4. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
One THB 500 ticket covers both, separate from Wat Arun. The palace has a strict dress code and closes ticket sales at 15:30. See the Grand Palace page.
5. Take the short ferry from Tha Tien
It is a crossing, not a sightseeing cruise. The fare is a few baht and it runs about every 10 minutes during the day.
Our pick: palace and temples in one day
Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun on one guided outing, with an amulet market on top.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Bangkok river tours and temple tours
Temple walks, Chao Phraya cruises and canal trips with live prices and availability.
On the water
The river and its side canals.
6. Watch the sunset from the east bank
The east bank looks across the river toward Wat Arun, and it is a common spot for sunset photos. See Wat Arun at night for the evening view.
7. Ride a day boat on the Chao Phraya
The hop-on tourist boat runs roughly every 30 minutes with a stop at Wat Arun. Stops differ between maps, so check the stop list for the day you travel.
8. Explore the Thonburi canals by boat
Private trips on the Bangkok Yai route pass Wat Arun. Private boats start at THB 2,000 per boat for two hours, and a guided group trip costs THB 1,850 per person. Compare the options on the canal tour page.
9. Stop at the Khlong Bang Luang Artist House
This art and canal stop is in Phasi Charoen and is open daily 10:00–18:00. It needs its own journey, so combine it with a canal trip.
Old neighbourhoods, a museum and a market
Slower stops on land.
10. Walk through Kudi Chin
This riverside neighbourhood mixes Thai, Chinese, Portuguese and Muslim traditions. It suits a slow walk.
11. See Santa Cruz Church from outside
The Catholic landmark stands by the river in Kudi Chin. Plan on viewing it from the outside, since entry inside is not promised.
12. Find the Kian An Keng shrine
This Chinese shrine in Kudi Chin is dedicated to Guan Yin.
13. Place Wat Kalayanamit on your map
Another temple neighbour in the Kudi Chin area, with parking nearby for those who come by car.
14. Go to Museum Siam
The learning museum on Sanam Chai Road covers the development of Thai identity. It opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00. Adults pay THB 100, students THB 25, and visitors aged 60 and over enter free. It is next to Sanam Chai MRT station.
15. Browse Pak Khlong Talat
A market district on the east bank for flowers and fresh produce. Opening times differ from stall to stall.
Combining the ideas
Three ways to split the days.
| Plan | Includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Temples in one day | Ideas 1 to 5 | First-time visitors with one day |
| Temples plus the water | Ideas 1 to 3, 6 and 7 | A relaxed day with a boat ride |
| Canals and old quarters | Ideas 8 to 13 | A second day, away from the main sights |
For most visitors with only one day, the first plan works best: Wat Arun, the ferry, Wat Pho and the palace in that order. Use the getting there page for routes, and the where to stay page if you are still choosing an area.
Things to do in Bangkok: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do near Wat Arun?
The prang, Wat Pho across the river and the Grand Palace are the most visited stops. The ferry, a river boat and the Thonburi canals add variety.
Can I see Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace in one day?
Yes, if you start early. The palace stops selling tickets at 15:30, Wat Arun closes at 18:00 and Wat Pho stays open until 19:30. Each has its own ticket.
How much do the main sights cost?
In 2026: Wat Arun THB 200, Wat Pho THB 300 and the Grand Palace THB 500 for foreign visitors. If you see THB 100 quoted for Wat Arun elsewhere, plan for THB 200. Museum Siam is THB 100 for adults.
Which ideas are far from Wat Arun?
The Khlong Bang Luang Artist House in Phasi Charoen and the Thonburi canals need their own transport. The temples on the east bank are a ferry ride away.
Are there free things to do?
Walking through Kudi Chin and viewing Santa Cruz Church from outside cost nothing. Pak Khlong Talat is also free to browse.