Visiting Bangkok in September: How to Tour Wat Pho and Wat Arun Without the Monsoonal Crowds

If you are planning Bangkok in September temples should be high on your list, but the wet season may leave you wondering whether sightseeing is worthwhile. This guide shows you how to use cooler mornings, quieter courtyards and covered areas to enjoy Wat Pho and Wat Arun with less waiting and fewer crowds.

Why September can be a smart month for temple visits

September is part of Bangkok’s rainy season, so showers are possible, particularly later in the day. The trade-off is a welcome low-season lull: popular sights can feel calmer, and the heat is often more manageable than during the hottest months.

Rain rarely falls continuously from morning to night. A flexible plan lets you visit the riverside temples during a dry spell, then move indoors or return to your hotel when the skies open.

What to expect from the weather

Plan for warm, humid conditions with sudden downpours. Bring a compact umbrella, quick-drying clothing and shoes with a dependable grip, as stone paths can become slippery.

A light waterproof layer is more practical than a heavy coat. It is also worth protecting your phone and camera in a resealable bag, especially when crossing the Chao Phraya River.

Best time to visit Wat Pho and Wat Arun

Start early for the clearest weather window

The best strategy is to begin at Wat Pho shortly after opening, then cross the river to Wat Arun. Aim to arrive between 08:00 and 09:00, when temperatures are lower and tour groups are less concentrated.

Allow roughly 60–90 minutes at Wat Pho. Its covered galleries and shaded sections make it a particularly useful first stop if clouds are gathering, while the Reclining Buddha remains an impressive highlight in wet weather.

Continue to Wat Arun before midday

After Wat Pho, walk to Tha Tien Pier and take the short local ferry across to Wat Arun. The crossing usually takes only a few minutes, but allow extra time for queues and changing river conditions.

Wat Arun is best explored before the strongest midday heat. Its riverside setting photographs beautifully after rain, although the steep steps around the central prang can be slick, so take them slowly and use handrails where available.

Touring the temples when it rains

Make use of covered and sheltered areas

Wat Pho has roofed passageways, enclosed halls and shaded courtyards where you can wait out a shower without abandoning your visit. At Wat Arun, the main sanctuary areas and nearby covered spaces provide some shelter, though much of the complex is open-air.

If heavy rain arrives, pause rather than rushing between buildings. A 20–30-minute delay is often enough for a tropical shower to pass, and it is safer than walking quickly over wet paving.

Build in a weather buffer

Avoid scheduling another fixed attraction immediately after the temples. Give yourself at least an hour of flexibility for ferry queues, rain delays and slower walking on wet surfaces.

For a more comfortable day, carry a small towel, spare socks and a waterproof pouch for documents. Comfortable footwear matters more than dress shoes on temple grounds.

Transport and getting around

The easiest public transport route is usually the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien Pier, followed by a short walk to Wat Pho. From there, the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien takes you directly towards Wat Arun.

The MRT Blue Line’s Sanam Chai station is also convenient for Wat Pho. Taxis and ride-hailing services can be useful early in the morning, but traffic around the Old Town can become slow, especially during rain.

A simple temple route

• Take the MRT to Sanam Chai or a taxi to the Wat Pho area.
• Visit Wat Pho first, preferably before 09:30.
• Walk to Tha Tien Pier and cross by local ferry to Wat Arun.
• Return by ferry or boat, then continue to a nearby café or indoor attraction.

Boat and ferry fares are generally inexpensive, but exact prices can change. Carry small notes and confirm the fare at the pier before boarding. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for expensive private boat rides unless you have deliberately chosen a charter.

Temple etiquette and rainy-season safety

Dress modestly at both temples: shoulders and knees should be covered, and loose clothing is more comfortable in humid conditions. Some areas require shoes to be removed, so wear footwear that is easy to take off and put back on.

Speak quietly inside halls, avoid blocking doorways for photographs and follow signs about restricted areas. Do not climb on decorative structures or touch religious objects.

During storms, stay away from exposed river edges and tall isolated trees. Watch your step on polished floors, temple stairs and ferry ramps, and keep valuables secure in busy areas.

Costs and practical budget planning

Wat Pho and Wat Arun charge separate admission fees, and prices can change, so check the official ticket information or confirm locally on the day. In addition to entry, budget for ferry fares, drinking water and a small amount for snacks or transport.

A realistic independent morning budget might include two temple tickets, local boat fares and refreshments. For precise planning, check current rates shortly before travelling rather than relying on old blog posts or printed guides.

September can also offer better value for accommodation and flights than peak travel periods. Even if you are travelling on a budget, leave room for a covered café break when the rain becomes intense; it can make the rest of the day much more enjoyable.

Best time to visit Bangkok in September

For the strongest chance of a comfortable temple visit, choose the first dry morning available in your forecast and set off early. 08:00–11:00 is generally the most useful sightseeing window, before heat and afternoon showers become more likely.

Forecasts in Bangkok can change quickly, so check them again before leaving your accommodation. If rain is already falling heavily at breakfast, swap the order: visit a museum or café first, then head to the temples when the skies brighten.

September’s quieter atmosphere is the main advantage. You may still encounter school groups, local visitors and organised tours, but the experience is often less pressured than in high season.

Recommended PikaTour Experiences

If you prefer local guidance and a well-organised route, the Bangkok Temple & Riverside Tour is a natural fit. This 5-hour tour from £50 focuses on Bangkok’s historic temples and riverside scenery, making it easier to manage transport, timing and the weather in one morning-to-afternoon itinerary.

For an evening activity after your temple visit, consider the Bangkok Night Food Tour. The 4-hour experience from £55 gives you a way to explore Bangkok after the daytime heat has eased, with an itinerary that complements a rainy-season sightseeing plan.

You can also compare more options through Bangkok tours. If this trip is part of a longer break, browse London tours and Istanbul tours for ideas in other destinations.

FAQ

Is September a good time to visit Wat Pho and Wat Arun?

Yes, provided you plan around the weather. September is wet, but early starts, quieter conditions and covered temple areas can make it a rewarding time to visit.

What time should I visit the temples?

Aim to arrive between 08:00 and 09:00 and finish the main sightseeing by late morning. This usually gives you a better chance of avoiding both peak heat and heavier afternoon showers.

How do I travel between Wat Pho and Wat Arun?

Walk from Wat Pho to Tha Tien Pier, then take the short cross-river ferry to Wat Arun. Keep small notes available and take care on wet ramps and steps.

What should I wear to Bangkok’s temples?

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Choose breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes that are easy to remove when required.

Should I book a guided tour in September?

A guided tour can be useful if you want help with temple history, transport and timing during changeable weather. PikaTour’s Bangkok Temple & Riverside Tour combines these practical advantages in a five-hour itinerary.

Ready to make the most of the rainy-season lull? Browse PikaTour’s Bangkok tours and choose an experience that fits your schedule.