Off the Beaten Path: A Walk to Wat Arun
It may seem crazy, but I’ve always been drawn to less-traveled roads, far from conventional tourist routes. As soon as I catch a glimpse on the horizon of something adventurous, a corner of the city never explored before, I’m enthralled. I have to see it, feel it, breathe it in. Experience every detail beyond the boundaries of the familiar.
A few days ago, while I was waiting for the train on the platform of Tha Phra metro station in Bangkok, I was struck by the view of the majestic spires of Wat Arun soaring in the distance like silent guardians from the past. I was fascinated and thought the route on foot would not be as long as it seemed. An idea flashed through my mind to reach that sacred place in an unusual way, far from the classic tourist options: no tuk-tuk, no boat on the Chao Phraya, no taxi. I had to walk, immerse myself in the chaotic maze of alleys in the city and discover the real beating heart of Bangkok.
At that moment, Wat Arun stopped being just another tourist sight to check off a list, becoming a siren that enthralled me and would attract me into the teeming bustling alleys. No guide, no planning, no pre-set certainties. I just wanted to follow the urge to lose myself in the unknown of this urban labyrinth, letting it envelop me with its most hidden and unexplored nooks.
A few days later, here I am again at the same station, ready to embark on the walking tour to Wat Arun, with my video gear in tow to capture the experience to share with you all.
As I walk, my curiosity triggers itself waiting to uncover the secrets hidden under the surface of an unfamiliar Bangkok. At every corner, the unknown of what I might encounter.
Immersing Myself in the Beating Heart of Bangkok
Tha Phra Station on the MRT line is the starting point of my Bangkok walking tour today. From here I head straight into the maze of alleyways in the city, determined to savor every drop of liveliness permeating this urban labyrinth.
With each step, I move away from the most well-known tourist routes. Voices, images, smells are transformed into a vivid experience enveloping me in the daily rhythms of the locals. Scooters zip by carrying entire families, street vendors greet me with a friendly nod, while curious eyes follow my path.
Soon I find myself swallowed up in a fascinating interweaving of eras and cultures in the heart of the city. Around one corner, an ancient temple stands undisturbed while prayers float in the air, carrying an ancient spirituality. Around another corner, children giggling and chasing soccer balls greet me with impatience mixed with shyness in alleys lined with wooden houses that seem frozen in time.
At every turn, I discover another gem – hidden corners pulsating with life and following the hypnotic rhythms of daily Bangkok. Vendors welcome me with radiant smiles, busy cooking delicacies from recipes handed down for generations.
I wander among small restaurants and food stalls where locals savor the cuisine of the place while sipping refreshing drinks, through bustling local markets overflowing with fragrant exotic fruits, among streets and alleyways that begin to change color in the late afternoon sunlight.
A Farewell to Sunset
As daylight begins to fade, after guiding me through the lively contrasts of the city of Bangkok, I arrive at my destination just in time for sunset.
I observe as the last golden rays of the sun flood the elaborate spires of Wat Arun, bathing it in warm light. The intricate details of the temple come to life, every carved frieze and mosaic tile shining like a rediscovered treasure.
The pinkish hues soon give way to deep cobalt blue and purple as twilight advances. Darkness embraces Wat Arun like a velvet cloak, transforming it into a solemn, majestic sentinel of Bangkok’s night.
Although the gates are now closed to visitors, I can admire Wat Arun’s splendor from outside the walls.
I find a spot on a boat gently rocking on the Chao Phraya River, from where I take one last look at the temple that was my destination on today’s walk.
Illuminated in the night sky, Wat Arun reveals itself in all its beauty. I savor this scene of tranquility, capturing the contrast with the vibrant excitement of the city behind me.
An Impromptu Walking Tour
Unlike organized tours that shuttle you between top attractions, my aimless wandering allowed me to connect intimately with the soul of the city and get closer to its inhabitants.
I particularly enjoyed the freedom to proceed at my own pace, to linger where I wanted and chat with the locals in their everyday settings. With no itinerary, I was forced to pay more attention to my surroundings, absorbing every image and sound that makes Bangkok pulse.
Discovering, once again, that the richness of the journey lies in unplanned moments.
Here you can find the Google Map of the Bangkok area explored.
Other location references:
Tha Phra Station: Google Map
Wat Arun: Google Map
For those wanting to venture on a tour of this area, I recommend starting in the late afternoon around 5 pm to avoid the heat and admire the sunset. But if you want to visit Wat Arun temple you have to leave earlier because it closes around 6 pm. The route takes about an hour, if you walk fast even less, but I don’t recommend it! Dress lightly, bring water, and don’t be afraid to seem lost or ask for directions – these are all things that start pleasant interactions and conversations with the locals. Plan a general direction but let yourself go with spontaneity!
Above all, walk without expecting what you will find. Let the streets guide you, don’t impose a logic. Allow yourself to wander aimlessly, to feel enveloped in a tangle of exotic sensations.
Don’t just look: listen, taste, smell, touch (mindfully…). Follow your curiosity and open yourself up to the charms Bangkok wants to reveal to you.
Lose the map but find the magic.
Embark on the Journey Yourself!
As much as I’ve done my best to describe this walking tour in words, nothing can replace experiencing it firsthand.
That’s why I created an immersive virtual tour video guide summarizing my route from Tha Phra to Wat Arun.
Join me as we delve into the dynamic streets of Bangkok, savoring sights and sounds. Perceive the energy of local markets, enjoy glimpses of life along the alleyways lined with ancient temples, and finally arrive at Wat Arun just in time to admire the majestic temple at sunset.
I hope this brief taste of my exploration today will inspire you to embark on your own impromptu tour, losing yourself to rediscover the magic.
Wherever you are, embrace the unknown, chat with strangers, delight the senses and open yourself completely to life!
