Wat Arun and Golden Mount: Must-See Sunset Spots in Bangkok

After a busy morning visiting the Grand Place and the Wat Phra, I paused for a little bit to have lunch. All the restaurants in this area were quite busy, but looking for a good one was an excellent opportunity to explore beyond the main attractions. The backstreets, side streets and hidden alleys and a special allure to me. Unapologetically rough, dark, unkempt and even grimy, these were the places that were calling to the little amateur photograph living inside me, seeing cinematic value in all of these scenes.

Places like these seem like a photographer’s dream, particularly for street photographers. This was a scene completely new to me, so I was burdened with the curiosity and perhaps even morbid fascination the Westerners get towards the East. At that point, I had seen beautiful and diverse temples, inhaled so much incense smoke, and eaten a variety of rice dishes. I was having the Southeast Asian experience… but it was only in Bangkok that I found the streets in itself calling me. Of course, I also knew I had to be cautious… exploring backstreets can lead you to those parts of town that are not as safe, especially for white tourists snooping around.

After taking a few shots, I finally found a restaurant with a table available for one person. I got myself some green chicken curry, and knowing they needed my table, didn’t take too long with my meal. I remember they tried to give me the wrong change when I was paying… whether it was on purpose or not, I’m not sure, but it is a reminder to keep your eyes open. As tourists dealing with a different currency, it’s almost too easy to be robbed in this way.

After having my correct change given to me, I was out.

I had barely recovered my energies though, and I was trying to decide whether it was wise to visit the temple across the river – the famous Wat Arun. It was about 2pm at this time, it was scorching hot. But I was already so close… just needed to hop on the boat and cross the river.

And so I did.

Wat Arun and the Golden Hour

Wat Arun is emblematic from all sides. From the outside, it defines the view from the other margin of the river Chao Phraya. It is indeed a view to behold, more so during sunset. This is thanks to its prang, a spire that is 82 meters tall, and completely covered in intricate porcelain decorations. And this takes me to the inside – so you can see this craftsmanship from a closer position.

Wat Arun translates as Temple of Dawn – at the time I thought this was interesting, as it is at Sunset that crowds of people flock to the east margin of the river, to contemplate the sun setting behind the temple. But later I read that actually it is at sunrise that you see it in its splendour, when the first light of day reflects off its porcelain surface. Perhaps this is a view I can try to have on another visit to the city.

After walking around, and taking some photos, I was starting to struggle. It was so hot, and I had walked so much already. This is something that you need to consider when planning your visit to Bangkok – start early, pause in the middle of the day, and come back out in the evenings. In such a big city, it is easy to lose track of time and to end up walking endlessly whilst temperatures are on the rise. It is important – of course – to also take water with you, refill your bottles whenever you can.

I went back to see the sunset on a different day. But here are some of the shots I took. It was intense – incredibly crowded. And it was a diverse crowd as well. You had those like me who wanted to enjoy it and take some photos, others who were professional photographers, with tripods, giant lenses and who knows what more, and then you also had those who went for “modelling” or perhaps even “influencer” work. Putting on makeup and changing clothes. Some of them had on what to me are prom dresses. So you do have to be patient, and make sure to go early to get a nice spot. Here are some photos that I took.

The Golden Mount

Another great spot to see the sunset in Bangkok with a different view, is at the Wat Sa Ket, also known as the Golden Mount. This temple is located on the only hill in Bangkok, and it offers stunning panoramic views of the city from the top – you just need to climb up 320 steps. At sunset, you can see the sun turning into a fiery ball, and how a fine curtain of fog starts to cover the streets of Bangkok. I definitely recommend a visit here, especially as it’s not as busy as other tourist hot spots in Bangkok.

Love, Nic