How to Enjoy a Chao Phraya River Cruise: The Grand Palace and Wat Arun, Golden Sunset by the Riverside

When visiting Bangkok, you must not miss the magnificent Grand Palace and Wat Arun across the river. In the afternoon, I took a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River, with a breeze carrying the scent of the water, and the temples and golden rooftops along the shore sparkling under the sunlight. Upon arriving at the Grand Palace, the golden and splendid roofs appeared even more solemn under the sunset, and the intricate carvings and statues were breathtaking.

At dusk, I took a boat to the opposite bank to Wat Arun, where the sunset was just behind the spire, turning the entire white pagoda into a golden-orange hue, stunningly beautiful. Standing on the temple steps looking out over the river, boats slowly passed by, the shimmering waves reflecting the light, and at that moment, all of Bangkok fell silent.

As night fell, Wat Arun lit up softly, reflecting on the Chao Phraya River, complementing the Grand Palace on the opposite shore. Whether it’s the grandeur of the day or the romance of the night, here you can feel the most touching faith and scenery of Thailand.

Tips:
1️⃣ It is recommended to arrive at the Grand Palace before 3 PM and head to Wat Arun before 5 PM to enjoy the sunset.
2️⃣ You can take the ferry from Tha Tien Pier, which costs about 3 baht for a round trip between the two banks.
3️⃣ The steps at Wat Arun are steep, so be careful when taking photos; the light is softest during sunset.
4️⃣ If you want to capture night scenes, it is recommended to bring a tripod or enjoy dining at a riverside restaurant while watching the view.

Post by Noah Brooks~67 | Oct 23, 2025