Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / KOSIN SUKHUM

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is Bangkok’s oldest Buddhist temple and one of its largest. Situated just behind the grand Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho dates back nearly 200 years before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand. The temple is renowned for housing the massive Reclining Buddha statue, as well as the largest collection of Buddha images in the city. Much of the temple was rebuilt during the reign of King Rama I, following the establishment of Bangkok as the capital.

The striking Reclining Buddha is an impressive 46 meters long and 15 meters high, designed to depict the Buddha’s transition into nirvana. Its feet and eyes are adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays, and the soles of the feet are decorated with 108 auspicious scenes in both Chinese and Indian artistic styles.

The Wat Pho complex is divided into two main walled sections, separated by Sanamchai Road running north to south. The northern section houses the Reclining Buddha and a traditional Thai massage school, attracting most visitors. This area also includes a large temple hall surrounded by 394 bronze Buddha statues, as well as 91 chedis (stupas) of varying sizes. Nearby, the temple’s library is beautifully decorated with porcelain figures and pagodas. In total, the vast grounds contain over 1,000 Buddha images, many of which were brought from the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

Massages at Wat Pho

In addition to its spiritual significance, Wat Pho is also known as Thailand’s first university and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Unlike typical therapeutic massage, Thai massage is stimulating and incorporates yoga-like postures to relieve stress and improve circulation. Visitors can experience this unique form of massage at the temple, where many well-known figures have sought its therapeutic benefits. While the prices at the temple are higher than those at local massage shops around the city, they are similar to what you would pay in popular tourist areas like Khao San Road.

Traditional Thai Massage

• 30 minutes: 260 THB
• 1 hour: 420 THB

Foot Massage

• 30 minutes: 280 THB
• 1 hour: 420 THB

Traditional Thai Dance

On Sundays, the temple offers lessons in traditional Thai dance and music. Astrologers and palm readers are also available for consultations. For a small donation, visitors can receive a blessing from a monk, which helps support the temple’s upkeep.

What are the Nine Wonders of What Pho?

1. Phra Buddhasaiyas: The Reclining Buddha
   Phra Buddhasaiyas, or the Reclining Buddha, is Wat Pho’s centerpiece. Measuring 46 meters long and 15 meters high, this gold-plated statue symbolizes the Buddha’s serene passage into nirvana, with its intricately inlaid mother-of-pearl feet displaying 108 auspicious symbols.
2. Satellite Pavilions: The Library of Thai Massage
   The Satellite Pavilions house the Library of Thai Massage, a repository of ancient medical texts. These pavilions play a pivotal role in preserving and teaching traditional Thai massage techniques, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage.
3. Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn: The Group of Four Huge Pagodas
   The Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn is an impressive cluster of four massive pagodas, each representing a reign from the Chakri dynasty. Their intricate mosaics, featuring floral motifs, make them a must-see within the Wat Pho complex.
4. The Legend of Songkran
   The Legend of Songkran, celebrated during the Thai New Year, is tied to Buddhist beliefs in renewal and purification. The festival’s water-splashing tradition symbolizes washing away misfortune and welcoming prosperity.
5. The World Heritage Inscription
   Wat Pho’s contribution to traditional Thai massage and medicine earned it recognition as part of Thailand’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, emphasizing its importance in preserving knowledge and art.
6. Wat Pho Giants
   The Wat Pho Giants are mythical guardian statues standing tall at the gates of the temple. They are believed to protect the sacred grounds and ward off evil spirits.
7. Sala Karn Parien: The Main Chapel of Wat Phodharam
   Sala Karn Parien, the main chapel of Wat Phodharam, serves as a central space for teaching and Buddhist rituals. Its stunning architecture and murals illustrate tales of Buddha’s life.
8. Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn: Another Main Chapel
   Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn is another significant chapel housing an exquisite Buddha image. The murals and golden Buddha statue create a tranquil ambiance for meditation and worship.
9. Contorted Hermit Mount: A Center of Medical Science from the Ayutthaya Period
   The Contorted Hermit Mount is an iconic area featuring statues of hermits demonstrating ancient yoga postures. This mount symbolizes Wat Pho’s role as a historic center for Thai medical science and therapeutic practices.

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

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

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