Choosing an area near Wat Arun
Wat Arun is on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, in Bangkok Yai on the Thonburi side. Wat Pho and the Grand Palace face it from the east bank, near the Tha Tien pier. Where you sleep decides how many river crossings your days need.
This page covers areas, not individual hotels. Room prices, views and shuttle services vary by property, so check them on the booking page you use. A view of Wat Arun from a room is also not something an area can promise.
If your days are mostly temples, read the things to do ideas first, then pick the area that keeps the most of them within a short ferry ride.
The four areas compared
What each one is close to.
| Area | Bank | Links | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tha Tien and Rattanakosin | East | Near Wat Pho and the palace; Sanam Chai MRT; ferry to Wat Arun | First-time visitors who want the main sights close |
| Bangkok Yai, Wat Arun side | West | Itsaraphap MRT serves the land side of the temple | Visitors who want to start at Wat Arun and explore Thonburi |
| Sathorn and the lower east riverside | East | BTS Saphan Taksin and Sathorn Pier; hotels on both banks | Visitors who want skytrain and river links |
| Khlong San and Charoen Nakhon, near ICONSIAM | West | Gold Line from Krung Thon Buri | Visitors who prefer the modern west riverside |
For most first-time visitors, Tha Tien and Rattanakosin is the simplest base: the palace, Wat Pho and the ferry to Wat Arun are all close, and Sanam Chai MRT is the rail link. If you plan boat days, Sathorn is the better fit.
Our pick: pickup from your hotel
This private tour collects you from your hotel in Bangkok and brings you back, wherever you stay.
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 tours and river trips
Temple walks, Chao Phraya cruises and canal trips with live prices and availability.
Each area in detail
What to expect from the location.
Tha Tien and Rattanakosin (east bank)
This is the area around Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. The ferry to Wat Arun leaves from Tha Tien, and Sanam Chai station on the Blue Line (BL31) is the rail access. The sights close at different hours, so a base here lets you split a day.
Bangkok Yai and the Wat Arun side (west bank)
Staying on the temple side puts you near the Thonburi canals. Itsaraphap (BL32) serves the land side. Not every hotel described as being in Thonburi is within walking range of the temple, so check the map position before booking.
Sathorn and the lower east riverside
This area connects by BTS at Saphan Taksin and by Sathorn Pier. It has hotels on both banks and sits apart from the old town, so you travel to Wat Arun by boat or MRT.
Khlong San and Charoen Nakhon around ICONSIAM
The western riverside to the south of Wat Arun. The Gold Line runs from Krung Thon Buri. Some dinner cruises depart from ICONSIAM, which matters if you plan an evening on the river.
Hotel boats and piers
Check the pier before you rely on it.
The Oriental pier (N1) is closed for renovation, with no reopening date. If a hotel says it has a boat link from that pier, ask which pier is used instead. Express boat lines differ in route and days of operation, so look at the timetable for the line you plan to use. Fares apply from 6 October 2026, for example a flat THB 19 on the orange line.
Do not assume a free hotel shuttle or a late hotel boat. Ask the property directly. The routes from each area to the temple are set out on the getting to Wat Arun page.
How to pick
Three common situations.
One or two nights, temples only
Choose Tha Tien and Rattanakosin. The ferry to Wat Arun and the neighbouring sights are close. See Wat Pho and the Grand Palace for hours and tickets.
A week with boat days
Sathorn or the ICONSIAM area suit river trips, because the piers and rail links are close. Book the dates once you know the season on the best time to visit page.
Canals and old quarters
The temple side gives the shortest start for the Thonburi canals, as covered on the canal tour page.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with your base.
Where to stay in Bangkok: frequently asked questions
Where is the best area to stay for Wat Arun?
For most first-time visitors, Tha Tien and Rattanakosin on the east bank, because Wat Pho, the palace and the ferry to Wat Arun are close. The temple side suits visitors who want the Thonburi canals.
Can I stay on the same side of the river as Wat Arun?
Yes, in Bangkok Yai on the west bank. Itsaraphap MRT (BL32) serves the land side. Check the map position, because not every hotel in Thonburi is within walking range of the temple.
Is Sathorn a good base for the river?
It has BTS Saphan Taksin and Sathorn Pier, with hotels on both banks. It is separate from the old town, so you reach Wat Arun by boat or MRT.
Does my hotel have a view of Wat Arun?
An area cannot promise it. Ask the property for the exact room type before booking.
Is the Oriental pier (N1) open?
It is closed for renovation with no reopening date. If a hotel relies on it, ask which pier replaces it.