Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of Bangkok’s most iconic and historic temples, and a must-visit for travelers seeking to explore Thailand’s spiritual heritage and artistry. A visit to Wat Pho offers a unique experience, blending spirituality with artistic beauty, and is an unforgettable addition to any Bangkok itinerary.
Overview of Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of Bangkok‘s oldest and largest temples. It tops the list of six temples in Thailand that are classified as the highest class of royal temples. The temple is associated with King Rama I, who rebuilt the temple complex on the site of an earlier temple. This became his main temple and housed some of his ashes. The temple was later expanded and extensively renovated by Rama III.
The temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including a 46m reclining Buddha statue and ornate murals depicting Buddhist teachings and Thai folklore. The temple is considered to be the earliest public education center in the country and the illustrations and inscriptions in the temple for public instruction have been recognized by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Program. Wat Pho is also famous as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and home to a renowned massage school that continues to teach and practice ancient healing techniques.
With its blend of art, spirituality and history, this temple offers visitors a deep connection to Thai culture and Buddhist traditions, making it a must-see destination for anyone.
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Wat Pho at night
Opening hours and entrance fee
Address: Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Opening hours: daily from 8 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance fee:
- Adult: 300 Baht per person
- Children: free for children under 120 cm
The best time to visit is early morning from 8:00 am or before sunset. At this time you can escape the crowd and take some amazing pictures. From 10:00 am it gets crowded.
The architecture of the temple
Highlights of Wat Pho
Explore the majestic architecture
As soon as you enter Wat Pho, you will be amazed by two large gates carved in the model of Chinese culture with the image of a guardian representing civil and military mandarins. More specifically, at the gate there is also a statue of the famous Italian explorer Marco Polo. The entrance gate is designed in the shape of a crown, and there are 16 such gates in the temple grounds. The gate is made of Chinese ceramic tiles but still does not lose the overall beauty of traditional Thai architecture.
Through the main gate area, you will see a variety of unique architectural works spread out. Passing through a veranda, you will see the main shrine with 91 round towers, also known as chedi, with 71 small towers and 20 large towers. During the Chakri dynasty, the first four kings came here to make offerings. Therefore, the campus also has four large towers dedicated to the kings of the Chakri dynasty.
The main hall area at this ancient temple is a masterpiece of fine art and exquisite jade inlay. All the sandstone carvings are inspired by natural landscapes and ancient Buddhist scriptures. The carvings are inlaid with multi-colored stones, creating a brilliant, sparkling picture whether during the day or late at night.
Wat Pho entrance gate
Admiring the reclining Buddha statue
Wat Pho is famous for its reclining Buddha statue, the largest in the country, with a total length of 46 meters and a height of 15 meters. The statue of Buddha Shakyamuni is built of bricks covered in plaster, the outside of the statue is gilded and decorated with many extremely sophisticated patterns. When the sun shines on it, the whole body of the statue sparkles beautifully like the halo of Buddha. The statue depicts the Buddha in a state of peaceful repose, symbolizing his passing into Nirvana, which symbolizes the end of the cycle of rebirth.
The eyes and feet of the statue are made of wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl. More specifically, the soles of the Buddha’s feet are 5.5 meters high, inlaid with pearls and depict 108 good features of Buddha Shakyamuni according to Buddhist beliefs, along with motifs that delicately recreate Chinese, Indian and Western cultures. Right under the Buddha’s feet are 108 bronze bowls, symbolizing 108 Arhats. According to Thai beliefs, when you drop coins into the bronze bowls, you will receive good luck and be blessed by Buddha.
The Reclining Buddha statue
Enjoy the collection of Buddha statues
Not only owning a large-scale gilded reclining Buddha statue, the ancient grounds also display and worship more than 1,000 Buddha statues with different colors, shapes and unique motifs, but in general still retain traditional Thai culture. Especially worth mentioning is the statue cast from metal that is more than 700 years old. In addition, there is also an area of scriptures, murals depicting the life of Buddha and ancient religious objects that are preserved.
the collection of Buddha statues in Wat Pho
Experience a relaxing massage
Wat Pho is also popular with both domestic and foreign tourists for its traditional massage services. This is one of the training centers for traditional massage and healing methods in Bangkok. If you are looking for a relaxing experience, you can rest assured that these will be good-quality massage sessions. The massage booths, also known as “sala”, are open from 9 am to 4 pm and cost around 420 THB (US$12.40) per hour.
Coming here, experiencing a massage service will bring you a feeling of extreme relaxation, eliminating all fatigue and pressure in the body. In addition, visitors are also guided through some basic Yoga movements to help blood circulation and relax muscles.
Wat Pho Thai massage
How to get to Wat Pho
Wat Chetuphon is located on Rattanakosin Island, just south of the Grand Palace. For visitors who want to visit the temple, there are a number of ways to get there, depending on your convenience.
Private Transportation
- Private Car: If you rent a car, you can drive and park on Chetuphon Road; the price is 20 baht per hour.
- Call a Grab, Tuk Tuk or Taxi: The fastest and most convenient way to get around the city. The cost is determined by the distance between you and your destination. Some taxi drivers do not turn on the meter and like to scam first-time visitors. Tuk-tuk drivers are even worse. Only take metered taxis or use Grab, Southeast Asia’s most popular ride-sharing app.
Thailand’s tuk tuk
Public Transportation
- Chao Phraya Ferry: The most enjoyable way is by ferry. The boat is inexpensive and allows you to avoid city traffic. Take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tien Pier then follow the signs for a short distance to the entrance of Wat Pho. This will cost you around 15-50 baht depending on where you are coming from and how far you are.
- Bus: There are many buses that can take you to the temple, such as buses 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 25, 32, 44, 47, 48, 53 and 82. You can find more information about the route online.
- BTS Skytrain: The closest BTS station to the temple is BTS Siam and National Stadium. Once there, you can find a taxi or bus 25, 48 or 508 to take you to the temple.
- MRT Subway: The newest and easiest way to get to the temple by public transport. The nearest MRT station is Sanam Chai, buy a ticket and go out at exit 1, from there you can walk to the temple in 5 minutes.
BTS in Bangkok
Things you need to know before visiting Wat Pho
Wat Pho is a unique blend of spirituality, culture and history, offering an experience of rich heritage. By following these tips and preparing in advance, you can make the most of your visit to this temple.
- In addition to being a spiritual tourist destination, Wat Pho is also a very sacred religious site for Buddhists. Therefore, when visiting here, you need to choose modest clothing. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees, as revealing clothing is not allowed. You may be asked to cover or rent clothing at the entrance if you are not dressed appropriately.
- If you plan to place a karma bowl, exchange coins before entering.
- You should not wear expensive shoes to avoid losing them, as you will have to take them off when entering this temple.
- The ideal time to visit is early morning or late afternoon so you can avoid the crowds and intense heat. The early morning light also creates a great opportunity for photography and a more peaceful experience.
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Wat Pho is a place where Thailand’s rich culture, spirituality and history come together. This beautiful temple is more than just a place to visit – it’s an opportunity to connect with Thai culture in a meaningful way. From its tranquil atmosphere to its detailed art and ancient teachings, Wat Pho leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-see for anyone exploring Bangkok.
