Thailand: Capturing Wat Arun at Sunset

Date: January 19, 2023

I began my afternoon of sightseeing by visiting Wat Saket and climbed up to the Golden Mount. Once I left that place, I decided to head towards Chao Phraya river

Boriphat road Bangkok Thailand — I was walking up Boriphat Road

Wood workshops Boriphat road Bangkok — The shops here are mostly in the wood trade, some run by Chinese migrants who came to Bangkok over many waves, decades ago

Wooden arts shop Bangkok Thailand — A lot of wood craftsmen in this community

Maha Chai road Bangkok Thailand — This is Maha Chai road, famous for its eateries

Maha Chai road is where you will find the restaurant Raan Jay Fai — famous for its goggles-wearing lady owner and her Michelin-starred crab omelette. Another bucket-list item for next time.

Rommani Nart park Bangkok — I walked through Rommani Nart park

Rommani nart park Bangkok Thailand — Rommani Nart park isn’t too big but good enough for a walk and to take a break from the bustling Maha Chai road

Rommani Nart park afternoon Bangkok — I made my way through the park to get to Sam Yot MRT station

Sam Yot MRT station Bangkok — This is the Sam Yot station. MRT is Bangkok’s subway line.

To get to Chao Phraya river via Bangkok’s metro system (for a view of Wat Arun at sunset) one needs to take the MRT to Sanam Chai station.

Sam Yot MRT station escalator — Bangkok’s BTS lines are mostly overhead. The MRT was mostly an underground line until recently.

Sanam Chai MRT station directions — Once at Sanam Chai MRT station, take exit 1

If you want to get to The Grand Palace and Wat Pho using Bangkok’s metro, take the MRT to Sanam Chai station and take exit 1.

Sanam Chai MRT station Bangkok panorama — Sanam Chai is probably the most beautiful MRT station I’ve seen!

Probably because Sanam Chai is a pivotal station on the Bangkok tourism trail.

Sanam Chai MRT tourist map — It’s a short walk from Sanam Chai MRT to landmark attractions like The Grand Palace and Wat Pho

Rajinee pier Chao Praya Bangkok — I walked to Rajinee Pier

Rajinee Pier is a stop along the Chao Phraya river. You can take the ‘Hop on, hop off’ boat from such stations.

Hop on Hop off boat Bangkok — Single journey tickets are 30 THB and an All Day pass costs 150 THB

Canal Bangkok sunset light — If you want to visit Pak Khlong Talat, the Flower Market, then cross this bridge

Rajinee pier drone Bangkok — But the main reason for coming here was because there’s observation deck above, perfect for launching drones. And I wasn’t the only one.

I took out my drone, set it up, and took off.

Chao Phraya river sunset drone view — Chao Phraya river is a crucial trade route for Thailand

Chao Phraya river Bangkok Thailand skyline — You can see barges and goods carriers, alongside tour boats

Wat Arun viewing point Bangkok — This spot, Wat Pho Pier, is where most tourists come to for a view of Wat Arun right across the river. It’s now upgraded with viewing decks.

Sun setting over Wat Arun Bangkok — This is Wat Arun, just before the lights get turned on

I brought the drone back. I’ll update this post later with a video.

Rajinee pier Chao Phraya river boat — One thing I still have not done is take a river cruise on Chao Praya. Maybe next time.

Wat Kanlayanamit woramahawihan sunset Chao Praya Bangkok — That’s Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan (another temple)

As the sun was setting, I packed up and decided to the place most tourists head to watch the sunset and Wat Arun all lit up.

Outside Rajini school Bangkok Thailand — I walked down the road from Rajinee Pier

Wat Pho pier Wat Arun sunset Bangkok — I rushed to Wat Pho pier

My drone, a DJI Mavic Air, doesn’t work well in the dark so I needed to fly it while some light was still available.

Wat Arun Bangkok panorama — I can see why watching the sunset over Wat Arun is a popular activity

Wat Arun sunset drone shot — It’s a great photo spot

Mithun Def Leppard fan Bangkok — I brought the drone back

Wat Arun sunset boats Bangkok — I took some shots on my phone

River cruise Wat Arun Bangkok sunset — One of those sunset river cruise boats which serves dinner and entertainment on board

Wat Arun after sunset Thailand — The sun had set

Wat Pho pier Bangkok night — Back when I was there, the Wat Pho pier was undergoing some upgrades

Tourists leaving Wat Arun viewpoint Bangkok — Tourists began to leave

Wat Arun alley Bangkok — There are many cafes and some residences facing the river, offering a great view of Wat Arun

Soi Prato Nokyung The Deck — If you want get to the Deck, look for Soi Prato Nokyung (soi = street)

Outside Wat Pho complex Bangkok — It’s right across from Wat Pho temple complex

No Durian sign MRT Bangkok — I took the MRT to head back to my room. By the way, no durians allowed inside trains.

Honestly, the whole evening I was rushed. I now know better and if ever I visit Bangkok again, I will try to capture Wat Arun better. I didn’t have my DSLR with me. Just my phone and drone. Next time, I will come better equipped and plan my shots better. I now know where to be.

The Dispensary Starbud Bangkok — I walked past the many, many weed shops that line Sukhumvit

For those thinking of coming to Thailand to enjoy the weed, enjoy it while it lasts — the Thai government is reversing the legalization of recreational marijuana.