The hype
Guests are consistently blown away by the view and the friendly staff, often calling it the highlight of their trip.
Arun Riverside Bangkok
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want the absolute best private view of Wat Arun in Bangkok and don't mind climbing a few stairs to get it.
Why People Love It
- Unrivaled floor-to-ceiling views of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) directly across the river
- Rooftop bar 'View Arun' offers sunset cocktails without the crowds of public spots
- Located inside the historic Tha Tian market area, steps from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace
Quick Take: You are paying for the balcony view, not a 5-star lobby or an elevator.
Reviewed by @yunise: I stayed in the Suite Balcony and the view of Wat Arun was absolutely unreal. Watching the temple light up at night from my own bed was a core memory. If you want a romantic Bangkok experience, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Standard Room' has no view and feels like a letdown compared to the riverfront suites; the rooftop bar noise bothers early sleepers on the top floor.
- You are an Instagrammer or photographer chasing the perfect Wat Arun shot
- You want to be walking distance to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
- You prefer small, intimate boutique stays over big chain hotels
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; staff are praised for being attentive and friendly.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally spotless, though some guests noted aging grout or occasional drain smells in specific rooms (avoid 406).
- Maintenance: Good condition for a shophouse, but expect minor wear and tear like scuffed wood or older AC units.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though not ultra-luxury thread count.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of Thai food (restaurant); rooms are generally fresh unless affected by the rare drain issue.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Chairs dragging on the rooftop deck (affects 4th floor)
- Long-tail boat engines on the river (daytime/early evening)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel entrance is through a restaurant/alley; it can be hard to find for taxi drivers.
- Breakfast is a la carte/set menu (not a huge buffet) but high quality.
- 7-Eleven and street food are just a 2-minute walk away.
What to pack
- Earplugs (if you end up on the 4th floor)
- Mosquito repellent (riverside location means mosquitoes at dusk)
- Slip-on shoes (cultural norm for entering nearby temples)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Room 306 (Junior Suite) - Excellent view, lower risk of rooftop noise than the 4th floor
- Room 405 (Deluxe River View) - Dead center view of Wat Arun, perfect for photos
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Double Room with Balcony (No View) - Faces a wall/alley, misses the whole point of the hotel
- Room 406 - Past guests have reported intermittent sewage smells
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking specifically for the Wat Arun view. Please assign a River View room on the 3rd floor (like 306) to avoid noise from the rooftop bar. Please avoid Room 406 due to sensitivity to smells.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there an elevator?
No. It is a 4-story shophouse with stairs only. There is a luggage lift (dumbwaiter) for your bags.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No pool and no gym. This is a small boutique property.
How do I get there from the airport?
Take a Grab/Taxi (approx. 45-60 mins). Tell the driver 'Tha Tian Market' or 'Arun Residence' as a landmark.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, usually included. It's a cooked-to-order set menu with options like Thai omelet or American breakfast.
Can I see Wat Arun from the bed?
In the 'Suite River View' and 'Deluxe River View' rooms, yes. The view is floor-to-ceiling.
Is it family friendly?
Allowed, but not ideal for young kids due to stairs, balconies, and lack of pool.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The rooftop bar 'View Arun' is open to the public, but as a guest, you can order drinks to your private balcony for the same view without the crowd.
- ✨
Take the public ferry across the river (4 Baht) from Tha Tian pier to visit Wat Arun early in the morning before the tour buses arrive.
- ✨
Room 405 has one of the most symmetrical views of the temple prang.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'luggage lift' is a small dumbwaiter; large hard-shell suitcases might barely fit.
💡The alley leading to the hotel can feel dark and gritty at night, though it is safe.
💡You will hear the whistle of the river pier guards during the day.
💡The air conditioning is powerful but can be noisy in some rooms.
💡There is no lobby to hang out in; the 'lobby' is basically the restaurant entrance.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Arun Riverside Bangkok is located and what's nearby.