Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Bangkok

Buddhist Temple in Bangkok

CC BY-SA 4.0 / KOSIN SUKHUM

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the top sights in Bangkok and a must-visit for anyone interested in Thai culture and spirituality. Situated behind the Grand Palace, this sprawling temple complex predates the city itself by nearly two centuries and stands as Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. The highlight of Wat Pho is its magnificent Reclining Buddha, a 46-meter-long, gold-plated statue that symbolizes the Buddha's peaceful passage into nirvana.

This spot is one of the best places to see in Bangkok for its remarkable fusion of art, architecture, and ancient healing practices. The temple is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Bangkok's old city, as it offers both tranquility and insight into Thailand's cultural legacy. The temple complex is vast and filled with chedis, pavilions, and courtyards that reflect the grandeur of the early Rattanakosin period.

History and Significance of Wat Pho
Things to See and Do in Wat Pho
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Wat Pho
Is Wat Pho Worth Visiting?
Tips for visiting Wat Pho
Wat Pho FAQs
Nearby Attractions to Wat Pho

History and Significance of Wat Pho

Wat Pho's history stretches back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom, long before Bangkok became the capital. When King Rama I established the new capital in 1782, he ordered the temple to be reconstructed and integrated into the spiritual life of the new city. It became a royal temple of the first class and was later expanded by King Rama III, who transformed it into Thailand's first university, teaching religion, science, and traditional medicine.

The temple gained further importance as the birthplace of Thai massage and medicine. Its stone inscriptions and carved hermit statues, depicting yoga-like poses, serve as teaching tools for therapeutic practices that have since been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Wat Pho remains a living temple today, where monks, students, and healers continue to study ancient knowledge passed down for generations.

Things to See and Do in Wat Pho

The most famous sight in Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha, a masterpiece of devotion and artistry. The statue measures 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height, with mother-of-pearl inlays on its feet depicting 108 auspicious symbols of Buddha. Visitors can admire the intricate details, from the serene expression to the ornate soles of the Buddha's feet.

The temple grounds are home to over 1,000 Buddha images collected from across Thailand, including Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. The Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn, a group of four large pagodas, is another highlight-each one dedicated to a Chakri dynasty king and adorned with colorful mosaic tiles. The Satellite Pavilions and the Temple Library showcase centuries-old inscriptions detailing Thai medicine, astrology, and massage techniques.

For those seeking relaxation, a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho is a quintessential experience. The temple's massage school is world-renowned and offers authentic treatments in a serene setting. A 30-minute massage costs around 260 THB, while an hour-long session is 420 THB. The experience is both invigorating and culturally enriching, reflecting the temple's historic role as Thailand's center of healing.

One of the temple's most fascinating features is what locals call the “Nine Wonders of Wat Pho.” These nine highlights encapsulate the artistry, faith, and history that make this complex one of the must-see places in Bangkok:

Phra Buddhasaiyas - The Reclining Buddha: The temple’s star attraction, representing the Buddha’s entry into nirvana, with intricately inlaid mother-of-pearl feet displaying 108 auspicious symbols.
Satellite Pavilions - The Library of Thai Massage: These contain ancient medical inscriptions and teachings that form the basis of traditional Thai massage.
Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn - The Group of Four Huge Pagodas: Each pagoda honors a Chakri dynasty king, covered in colorful mosaics that shimmer in the sunlight.
The Legend of Songkran: Murals and teachings here recount the story of renewal and cleansing tied to Thailand’s New Year celebration.
The World Heritage Inscription: Recognition by UNESCO for Wat Pho’s enduring role in preserving traditional Thai massage and medical science.
Wat Pho Giants: Majestic guardian statues that stand at the temple gates, believed to protect against evil spirits.
Sala Karn Parien - The Main Chapel of Wat Phodharam: A ceremonial hall for Buddhist teaching and meditation, adorned with murals of the Buddha’s life.
Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn - Another Main Chapel: Home to a serene Buddha image surrounded by golden décor, creating a tranquil place for reflection.
Contorted Hermit Mount - Center of Medical Science from the Ayutthaya Period: Features statues of hermits demonstrating ancient yoga postures, symbolizing the link between body and spirit.

How to Get There

Wat Pho is located in Bangkok's historic Rattanakosin district, adjacent to the Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River. The most convenient route is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien Pier, then walk five minutes to the temple entrance. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also widely available from central Bangkok, though traffic in this area can be heavy.

Practical Tips on Visiting Wat Pho

Best time to visit Wat Pho: Early morning, before 10 AM, to enjoy the temple before it becomes crowded and hot.
Entrance fee in Thai Baht: 200 THB (includes a complimentary bottle of water).
Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Official website: www.watpho.com.
How long to spend: 2-3 hours to explore the temple and enjoy a massage.
Accessibility: The temple is accessible to most visitors, though some areas have steps or uneven ground.
Facilities: Water stations, toilets, and shaded rest areas are available.
Photography tip: Capture the Reclining Buddha’s face and feet separately-wide shots are difficult inside the narrow hall.
Guided tours: English-speaking guides are available at the entrance for around 300-400 THB.
Nearby food options: Several small restaurants near Tha Tien Pier serve excellent Thai curries and mango sticky rice.

Is Wat Pho Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Wat Pho is one of the must-see places in Bangkok. It's not only an architectural marvel but also a living institution preserving Thailand's healing arts and spiritual traditions. Visiting Wat Pho offers both serenity and inspiration-making it one of the most memorable experiences in Bangkok.

Tips for visiting Wat Pho

Bring the exact amount of Thai Baht for the entry fee, as no change is given.
A visit typically takes about 2 hours for a quick tour and photos, but you could easily spend 4-5 hours exploring the entire complex.
The entry ticket includes a complimentary bottle of water, and refill stations with cool, clean water are available inside.
Both men and women are required to wear long pants (covering the knees) and shirts with long sleeves.
Remember to remove your shoes before entering the inner sanctum.
Avoid midday as the temple does offer some shade and is fairly cool compared to a visit to the Grand Palace but it is still worth avoiding the midday sun.

Wat Pho FAQs

What is Wat Pho?

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a famous Buddhist temple complex located in Bangkok, Thailand.

What is the significance of Wat Pho?

Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and the iconic Reclining Buddha statue.

What is the Reclining Buddha statue?

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is an enormous, gold-plated statue that spans 46 meters in length. It is one of Bangkok's most celebrated and revered landmarks.

What are the opening hours of Wat Pho?

Wat Pho is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Are there any entrance fees for Wat Pho?

Yes, there is an entrance fee of 200 Thai Baht per person to visit Wat Pho.

Can I get a massage at Wat Pho?

Yes, the Wat Pho Traditional Thai Massage School offers professional massages. Prices start at 260 THB for 30 minutes or 420 THB for one hour.

Nearby Attractions to Wat Pho

The Grand Palace - Bangkok's most famous landmark, home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Arun - The Temple of Dawn, located across the river, offering stunning sunset views.
Museum of Siam - A modern museum exploring Thai identity through interactive exhibits.
Tha Tien Market - A bustling local market near the pier with street food and souvenirs.
Sanam Luang - A ceremonial field used for royal events and public gatherings.

The Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bangkok!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!