Two banks, two ways to eat
The temple takes about an hour to visit; the rest of the half-day is spent between the two banks. The ferry links Tha Tien (Rattanakosin bank) to the Wat Arun pier (Thonburi bank) in a few minutes. Our guide to around Wat Arun describes the full route, and the Wat Arun page gives the temple's hours and entry fee.
| Bank | Mood | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Thonburi, facing the temple | Noodles and neighbourhood canteens | Simple lunch, small budget |
| Tha Tien, Maha Rat Road | River terraces | Sunset, dinner |
Thonburi side: noodles and lanes
On the temple's bank, Arun Amarin Road runs along the river and the nearby lanes hide noodle shops, rice counters and traditional cakes. The most-cited address is Sai Saard Arun, a noodle shop opposite the temple on Arun Amarin, praised for its dry beef noodles and pork kao lao. Reviews put its hours at roughly 8am to 8pm; confirm before you go. In the Kudi Chin district, a former Portuguese community, you can also try local traditional cakes. There is no smart setting here: you eat quickly, at plain tables, for a moderate price.
Tha Tien side: terraces facing the temple
Across the water, several places look straight at the prang, especially beautiful at nightfall.
- The Deck by the River (Arun Residence): the restaurant of the Arun Residence hotel, at 36-38 Soi Pratu Nok Yung, Maha Rat Road. The two-level terrace faces the lit temple. The menu mixes classic Thai dishes and European grills. Published hours differ (opening at 7am or 11am): call to book a sunset table.
- Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien): homestyle Thai cooking at 392/25-26 Maha Rat Road, on Tha Tien pier behind the Riva Arun hotel. Dishes are made in limited batches, so come early or book. Sources give different hours, and possibly a closing day: check.
- The cafés on Maha Rat Road: more modest, they serve drinks and snacks with a river view, for a break before or after Wat Pho, ten minutes' walk away.
For more tables with a panorama, see our restaurants with a view in Bangkok.
How to choose well
- Eat in Thonburi if budget matters: Tha Tien terraces charge for the view.
- Book for sunset: the best waterside tables go first.
- Ask for the menu before ordering: at a stall with no prices, point and ask the cost.
- Avoid the tuk-tuk trap: a driver with a "good tip" takes you to a restaurant that pays him commission; read our scams to avoid in Bangkok.
- Try the street: for dishes and hygiene rules, see our guide to street food in Bangkok.
A possible plan
- Morning: ferry from Tha Tien, visit the temple before the heat.
- Midday: noodles in Thonburi, then ferry back.
- Afternoon: Wat Pho, then a coffee break on Maha Rat Road.
- Evening: dinner on a Tha Tien terrace, with the lit temple opposite.
Getting there and back
The Chao Phraya Express boat stops at Tha Tien (pier N8); the ferry to Wat Arun is paid in cash. Details are in our guide to getting around Bangkok. In the temple, cover shoulders and knees: see what to wear in temples.
