Wat Pho is home to one of the most famous sights in Thailand: a giant golden Buddha lying on its side. But this temple is much more than one statue. It’s the largest temple complex in Bangkok, the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and one of the calmest places to explore in the busy old city.
Many travelers visit Wat Pho right after the Grand Palace, since it’s only a short walk away. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok, including tickets, opening hours, what to wear, how to get there, and what to see.
Wat Pho Bangkok: Quick Facts
- Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Ticket price: About 300 baht for foreign visitors
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress code: Cover your shoulders and knees
- Closest pier: Tha Tien (Chao Phraya Express Boat)
- Closest MRT station: Sanam Chai (Blue Line)
Prices and hours can change. Check the latest information before you go.
What Is Wat Pho?
Wat Pho’s full name is very long, so everyone just calls it Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. A temple stood here even before Bangkok became Thailand’s capital. In 1788, King Rama I rebuilt and expanded it, and later kings kept adding to it.
Today, Wat Pho covers a huge area filled with halls, pagodas, gardens, and more than 1,000 Buddha images. It’s still a working temple, so you’ll see monks and local people praying here every day.
Wat Pho is also known as Thailand’s first public place of learning. Its walls hold stone carvings about medicine, history, and Thai culture. These carvings are now recognized by UNESCO.
The Reclining Buddha
The star of Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. It’s one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand, and it’s covered in shiny gold leaf. The statue is about 46 meters long and 15 meters tall, so it almost fills the whole hall. You’ll need to walk slowly from end to end to take it all in.
The statue was built in 1832. Its lying pose shows the Buddha at the end of his life, as he passes into nirvana, a state of perfect peace.
Don’t Miss the Feet
Walk around to the end of the statue to see the Buddha’s feet. Each foot is about 5 meters long. The soles are decorated with shiny mother-of-pearl, showing 108 special symbols linked to the Buddha. It’s one of the most detailed and beautiful parts of the whole temple.
The 108 Bronze Bowls
Along the wall behind the statue, you’ll find a long line of 108 bronze bowls. Visitors buy a small cup of coins and drop one into each bowl. It’s said to bring good luck and help the temple. The soft clinking sound of the coins fills the hall and is part of the experience.
Other Things to See at Wat Pho
Many visitors see the Reclining Buddha and leave. Don’t make that mistake. The rest of the temple grounds are just as beautiful and much quieter.
The Four Great Chedis
Four tall chedis (pagodas) stand together in the middle of the temple. Each one honors one of the first four kings of the Chakri dynasty. They’re covered in colorful tiles of green, white, yellow, and blue, and they look amazing in the afternoon sun.
Hundreds of Buddha Images
Walk through the long covered galleries around the main chapel. They’re lined with rows of golden Buddha statues sitting side by side. It’s a peaceful place to slow down and take photos.
The Main Chapel (Phra Ubosot)
This is the most sacred building in Wat Pho. Inside is a calm Buddha statue sitting on a three-level golden base. The outside walls have detailed stone carvings from the Ramakien, the Thai version of the ancient Ramayana story.
Chinese Stone Guardians
Look out for funny stone statues of Chinese guards and warriors around the temple. Many of them first came to Thailand as heavy weights on trading ships from China. Some of them wear Western-style hats, which makes them fun to spot.
Gardens and Small Pagodas
Wat Pho has more than 90 smaller chedis, along with shady gardens, small ponds, and rock gardens. These quiet corners are perfect for a short rest out of the sun.
Get a Thai Massage at Wat Pho
Wat Pho is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. It’s home to one of the oldest and most famous massage schools in Thailand. Old stone carvings in the temple even show the body’s energy lines and pressure points used in Thai massage.
You can get a massage right inside the temple grounds. Trained therapists offer traditional Thai massage and foot massage in open-air pavilions. After a long, hot day of sightseeing, it feels wonderful. Prices are very reasonable, but lines can be long, so go in the morning or early afternoon if you can.
Wat Pho Dress Code
Wat Pho is a sacred temple, so you need to dress with respect. The rules are a little less strict than at the Grand Palace, but it’s best to follow the same basic guidelines:
- Cover your shoulders. No tank tops or crop tops.
- Cover your knees. Wear long pants, a long skirt, or a sarong.
- Take off your shoes before entering temple buildings.
- Don’t point your feet toward any Buddha statue.
If your clothes don’t cover enough, cover-ups are usually available near the entrance.
Wat Pho Ticket Price
Tickets cost about 300 baht for foreign visitors. Thai citizens can enter for free. Children under a certain height often enter free too.
You can buy tickets at the entrance. Licensed guides are also available if you want to learn more about the temple’s history. Massage costs extra and is paid at the massage pavilions.
How to Get to Wat Pho
Wat Pho is in Bangkok’s old city, called Rattanakosin, right next to the Grand Palace.
- By boat: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien Pier (N8). The temple is just a few minutes’ walk away.
- By MRT: Take the Blue Line to Sanam Chai Station. Wat Pho is about a 5-minute walk.
- From the Grand Palace: Walk south for about 10 minutes.
- By taxi or Grab: Easy, but traffic in the old city can be slow.
Best Time to Visit Wat Pho
The best months to visit are November to February, when Bangkok is cooler and drier. March to May is very hot, and June to October brings rain showers, usually in the afternoon.
The best time of day is right at opening or after 4:00 p.m. In the late afternoon, the golden light makes the colorful chedis glow, and the tour groups have mostly left.
Tips for Visiting Wat Pho
- Go early or late. Arrive at 8:00 a.m. or in the late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and the midday heat.
- Start at the Reclining Buddha. It gets busy fast, so see it first, then explore the quieter areas.
- Bring small coins. You’ll want them for the 108 bronze bowls.
- Stay hydrated. Bangkok is hot, so carry water and wear sunscreen.
- Be respectful. Keep your voice low, and don’t climb on statues or pagodas.
- Take your time. The back areas of the temple are peaceful and worth exploring.
Is Wat Pho Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Wat Pho is one of the best temples in Bangkok. It’s less crowded than the Grand Palace, cheaper to enter, and more relaxed. The giant Reclining Buddha alone is worth the trip. Add a traditional Thai massage, and it becomes one of the most memorable stops in the city.
What to See Nearby
- Grand Palace: Bangkok’s most famous sight, just a 10-minute walk north.
- Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn is right across the river. Take the short ferry from Tha Tien Pier.
- Pak Khlong Talat: Bangkok’s colorful flower market, a short walk south.
- Museum Siam: A fun, hands-on museum about Thai history and culture, close to Sanam Chai Station.
A great half-day plan is to visit the Grand Palace in the morning, walk to Wat Pho for lunch and a massage, and then cross the river to Wat Arun for sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Wat Pho entrance fee?
Tickets cost about 300 baht for foreign visitors. Thai citizens enter for free.
What are Wat Pho’s opening hours?
Wat Pho is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
How big is the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho?
The Reclining Buddha is about 46 meters long and 15 meters tall. It’s covered in gold leaf, and its feet are decorated with mother-of-pearl.
Can you get a Thai massage at Wat Pho?
Yes. Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and you can get a massage in pavilions inside the temple grounds.
What should I wear to Wat Pho?
Cover your shoulders and knees. Long pants or a long skirt with a shirt that has sleeves is best.
Is Wat Pho close to the Grand Palace?
Yes. Wat Pho is about a 10-minute walk south of the Grand Palace, so it’s easy to visit both on the same day.