Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, sits on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River — the older, calmer side of Bangkok. Staying near Wat Arun means you wake up just minutes from the temple, away from the crowds of Sukhumvit, and within walking distance of the river, local markets, and quiet heritage lanes. Here is how to choose the area and what you can reach on foot.
Why stay on the Wat Arun side?
Most visitors book a hotel across the river and commute over to see the temple. Staying on the Thonburi side flips that around: you are already inside Bangkok’s Old Town. Mornings are quieter, the sunset over the river is right on your doorstep, and you can walk to Wat Arun before the tour groups arrive. It is the side of Bangkok that still feels local.
What is within walking distance
Wat Arun
Under ten minutes on foot. Go early in the morning for the best photos, cooler air, and far fewer people. The riverside terrace beside the temple is one of the finest sunset spots in the city.
Kudi Chin community
A small riverside neighbourhood with Portuguese-Thai heritage, old churches, and its famous baked cake (khanom farang Kudi Chin). It is one of Bangkok’s most charming and least touristy corners.
The river and ferry piers
From the local piers you can cross to ICONSIAM, the Flower Market, or Chinatown in just a few minutes by boat. The river is the fastest and most scenic way to move around this part of the city.
Getting around
The cross-river ferry is the quickest way to the Bangkok side and costs only a few baht. Grab and metered taxis are easy to find, and the MRT Blue Line is a short ride away when you want to reach the rest of the city. You will not need to rely on Bangkok’s traffic to enjoy the Old Town.
Where we fit in
Adelphi Itsaraphap is an eighteen-room boutique hotel on Itsaraphap Road, a short walk from Wat Arun and the river. It is the quiet, local base that many travellers wish they had booked — close to everything worth seeing on this side, yet calm enough to feel like a retreat. Take a look at our Rooms and our guide to The Neighborhood to plan your stay.
