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Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)vsThe Grand Palace
Both are rated very highly by expert reviewers. Overall, Temple of Dawn scores slightly better than The Grand Palace. Temple of Dawn is ranked #2 in Bangkok with praise from 7 reviewers like Lonely Planet, Afar Magazine and Travel + Leisure.
Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Fodor's
Frommer's
Time Out
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure
Condé Nast Traveler Frommer's
158 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
From $0/night
Fodor's "If this riverside spot is inspiring at sunrise, it's even more marvelous toward dusk, when the setting sun throws amber tones over the entire area." Full review
Frommer's "Formerly known as Wat Jaeng, the 79m-high (260-ft.), Khmer-inspired tower was renamed the "Temple of Dawn," by King Thaksin, Bangkok's founder." Full review
i
Be sure to walk to the back of the tower to the monks' living quarters, a tranquil world far from the bustle of Bangkok's busy streets.
Time Out "This five-spired landmark has been known as the 'Temple of Dawn' ever since the soon-to-be King Taksin landed by the then Wat Magog at sunrise in October 1767." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Directly across the river from Wat Pho sits Wat Arun, one of the most recognizable spots in Bangkok." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Wat Arun is easily recognisable by its huge central prang (114m high), which is built in Khmer-style... this temple is dedicated to the Hindu god of the day, Aruna." Full review
Afar Magazine "The Wat Arun complex is a huge, active monastery." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Known as the Temple of Dawn, this large temple complex’s most identifying feature is a spire with scary-steep steps" Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "What's the story behind this temple?
Of the more than 31,000 temples, or wats, throughout Thailand, Wat Arun is one of the most iconic." Full review
Frommer's "It's at its most wondrous as the sun rises and sets...decorated with flower and decorative motifs made of ceramic shards donated to the monastery by local people, at the request of the King" Full review
i
Be sure to walk to the back of the tower to the monks' living quarters, a tranquil world far from the bustle of Bangkok's busy streets.
The Grand Palace Travel + Leisure Time Out Fodor's Afar Magazine Michelin Guide Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
Independent
Lonely Planet
Na Phra Lan Rd, Maharaj Pier, next to Wat Phra Kaeo Temple Complex, Bangkok, Thailand
From $0/night
Travel + Leisure "Located on the Chao Phraya River, the gold-spired Grand Palace is one of Thailand’s most important sacred sites." Full review
Time Out "Bangkok's paramount must-see sight is this architectural and spiritual treasure, which is twice as dazzling if you see it on a sunny day." Full review
Fodor's "This is Thailand's most revered spot and one of its most visited." Full review
i
Proper attire (no flip-flops, shorts, or bare shoulders or midriffs) is required
Afar Magazine "No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the Grand Palace, which sits smack in the middle of the city, while resting elegantly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"The former royal residence of the kings of Siam... the Grand Palace now hosts official ceremonies." Full review
i
In addition to Chakri Mahaprasat palace, where the king lived, don't miss Aphon Phimok Prasat, a beautifully proportioned wooden pavilion, and Dusit Mahat Prasat, built in 1789, recognisable by its gilded spire.
Travel + Leisure "Come early in the morning and grab a guide (or find a local tour group) to help you navigate the ornately decorated halls, pavilions and inner palaces that were once home to Thailand’s monarchy" Full review
Travel + Leisure "Give yourself between 60 and 90 minutes to enjoy the grounds and the stunning shrines—the Emerald Buddha is a must see."
Bangkok Travel Guide
July 14, 2021
i
Make sure to go early to beat the heat.
Independent "The ornate structures include the royal quarters (which are only viewable from the outside but are nonetheless very impressive) and a stunning wat (temple)...there’s also a swish textiles museum"
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Adjoining Wat Phra Kaew is the Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang), a former royal residence that is today only used on ceremonial occasions." Full review
