Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Sleepless
Updated September 2026: Scroll to the end for 2026 prices for Wat Arun, the Sky Bar and Asiatique, dress codes, river transport, riverside hotels, and Indian food nearby (including pure-vegetarian options).
In my previous post about Bangkok’s canals and orchid farms, I explored a quieter side of the city. For a sightseeing-focused visit, staying beside the Chao Phraya River can make riverside landmarks easier to reach, and the river itself is part of daily life in Bangkok.
I stayed at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok in an apartment-style suite on the 32nd floor. The balconies offered memorable views over the river.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique brings together open-air shopping, dining and entertainment beside the Chao Phraya River. I enjoyed exploring the riverside complex and stopping for Indian food at Siam India. Check the official Asiatique website for current opening hours, events and boat arrangements before you go.
Sky Bar at Lebua
The next evening, someone suggested Sky Bar at lebua, atop State Tower. The rooftop bar became widely known after appearing in The Hangover Part II, and the panoramic view over Bangkok made the visit memorable.
Check the current Sky Bar dress code and drinks menu before you go. The venue’s smart-casual rules allow tailored shorts and elegant sandals, while athletic wear, swimwear, sleeveless shirts for men, flip-flops and beach slippers are not permitted. Drinks are premium-priced, so review the menu before ordering. I especially enjoyed the rooftop atmosphere and the view across Bangkok.
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, had been on my Bangkok list long before the trip.
Wat Arun stands on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River and is one of Bangkok’s best-known riverside landmarks. Its name refers to Aruna, a Hindu deity associated with dawn. The central prang is commonly understood to symbolize Mount Meru in Hindu cosmology. For current visitor information, see the Wat Arun visitor website.
From the inside, the temple seemed even more impressive and divine.
Entrance to Wat Arun
I also enjoyed the peaceful garden areas around the temple.
I have visited many temples, but Wat Arun’s architecture, atmosphere and riverside setting left a strong impression on me.
The gallery below includes photos from our visit. Let me know in the comments which ones you like.
More from Bangkok
- Bangkok Travel Guide: The City That Never Sleeps: where to stay, eat and what to see in Bangkok, plus Cafe Corgi, IconSiam and the Grand Palace.
- Bangkok canals and orchid farm: a longtail boat through the Thonburi khlongs, a floating market and a working orchid farm.
Bangkok Riverside Guide – September 2026
I’ve added this practical guide, updated in September 2026, with current prices and tips for Wat Arun, the Sky Bar and Asiatique, plus Indian food nearby. Prices are approximate and change often.
Tickets, Timings and Dress Codes
| Wat Arun | About 200 baht for adult foreign visitors; the visitor website lists daily hours as 8 am–6 pm. Check the temple’s visitor information before you go. Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees; check locally whether cover-ups are available to rent |
| Sky Bar at Lebua (State Tower) | Smart-casual dress: tailored shorts and elegant sandals are allowed; athletic wear, swimwear, sleeveless shirts for men, flip-flops and beach slippers are not. Check the official page for current opening details and menu prices |
| Asiatique The Riverfront | Riverside shops, restaurants and entertainment. Check the official website for current opening hours and shuttle-boat details |
Getting Around the River
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: The orange-line boat fare is 18 baht according to the operator’s schedule (updated from 24 June 2026). Check the official Chao Phraya Express Boat timetable for current routes and times.
- Cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier to Wat Arun: Just a few baht, and it takes 3 minutes.
- BTS Skytrain: Saphan Taksin station is right at Sathorn Pier. Grab taxis: Cheap, and avoid the traffic at rush hour.
Where to Stay by the River (Approx. Per Night)
- Chatrium Riverside (where I stayed): About US$65–250 (≈ ₹5,500–21,000). It’s excellent value, with big apartment-style suites.
- Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, Capella: About US$350–700+.
- Budget riverside guesthouses near Tha Tien and Old Town: About US$30–80.
Where to Eat (Including Indian Food)
- Pahurat (Little India), a short ride from Wat Arun: Royal India is Bangkok’s oldest Indian restaurant (50+ years), with North Indian food at about 150–350 baht per dish. Radha Krishna and Shree Bhavan are both pure vegetarian South Indian (thalis and dosas at about 150–300 baht).
- Indian Hut on Surawong Road, near Saphan Taksin BTS: Handy before or after the Sky Bar. About 200–450 baht per dish.
- Riverside restaurants at Tha Tien facing Wat Arun: Thai food with the best sunset view of the temple, at about 600–1,500 baht per person.
- Asiatique: Food courts and restaurants at about 150–600 baht per person.
Plan Your Visit
- Entry requirements and TDAC: Visa-exemption periods and conditions can change. Indian passport holders should confirm the current permitted stay and entry rules with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official visa service before booking. All non-Thai nationals must submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arrival (including the arrival date), according to official TDAC guidance.
- A perfect riverside evening: Wat Arun at about 4 pm, then cross to Tha Tien to watch the sunset over the temple. Take the express boat to Sathorn, have drinks at the Sky Bar, then the shuttle boat to Asiatique for dinner.
- Best time: November to February, when it’s cooler and dry. From March to May it’s very hot, and June to October brings afternoon showers.
