Overview
Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples, famous for its enormous 46-metre-long gilded Reclining Buddha. Explore its beautiful courtyards, traditional Thai architecture, historic murals, and more than 1,000 Buddha images in the heart of Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin district.
Wat Pho, officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, is one of Bangkok’s most significant and atmospheric temples. Located just south of the Grand Palace in the historic Rattanakosin district, the temple is best known for its magnificent Reclining Buddha, while its extensive grounds offer much more to discover. The temple’s most famous attraction is the enormous gilded Reclining Buddha, measuring approximately 46 metres long and 15 metres high. The statue depicts the Buddha entering Parinirvana, or the final passing away after enlightenment. Its beautifully decorated feet feature intricate mother-of-pearl inlay representing the auspicious symbols associated with the Buddha. Beyond the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is a remarkable architectural and cultural complex. Visitors can wander through peaceful courtyards filled with chedis, stone sculptures, decorative structures, murals, and numerous Buddha images. The temple complex contains more than 1,000 Buddha images, many of which were brought from other parts of Thailand during the early Rattanakosin period. Wat Pho also holds an important place in Thailand’s traditional knowledge. The temple is widely regarded as an important centre for the preservation and teaching of traditional Thai massage and medical knowledge. Its stone inscriptions and educational plaques document aspects of Thai medicine, massage, astrology, literature, and other traditional subjects. The temple's history reaches back to the Ayutthaya period, although much of the complex was extensively renovated and expanded during the reign of King Rama I. Later kings continued to develop the temple, helping create the impressive complex visitors see today. Its location makes Wat Pho particularly convenient to combine with a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. A popular itinerary is to explore the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in the morning, walk to Wat Pho, and then cross the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun. Visitors should dress respectfully because Wat Pho remains an active Buddhist temple. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as exploring the extensive grounds involves considerable walking. For travellers interested in Bangkok’s history, architecture, Buddhism, traditional art, and Thai culture, Wat Pho provides a fascinating experience beyond its famous Reclining Buddha.
Curated sample listing with general information only.
Highlights
- Reclining Buddha — See the iconic 46-metre-long gilded Buddha with its beautifully detailed mother-of-pearl-inlaid feet.
- 1,000+ Buddha Images — Discover an extensive collection of Buddha images throughout the temple complex.
- Historic Chedis — Admire the colourful, intricately decorated stupas and chedis.
- Traditional Thai Architecture — Explore ornate temple halls, courtyards, murals, and decorative details.
- Thai Massage Heritage — Learn about Wat Pho's historic role in preserving and teaching traditional Thai massage.
- Stone Inscriptions — See the famous educational inscriptions documenting traditional Thai medicine, massage, and other knowledge.
- Peaceful Temple Grounds — Wander through the courtyards and quieter corners away from Bangkok's busy streets.
- Near the Grand Palace — Conveniently combine Wat Pho with the Grand Palace and Wat Arun for a full day of exploring Bangkok's historic riverside district.
Plan Your Visit
- Opening hours
- Open daily, 8:00 AM–7:30 PM.
- Recommended visit duration
- Allow around 1 hour for the main highlights, including the Reclining Buddha and surrounding temple grounds. If you want to explore the courtyards, chedis, murals, Buddha images, and traditional Thai massage heritage at a relaxed pace, 1.5–2 hours is recommended.
- Admission
- Foreign visitors: 300 baht per person. Thai citizens: Free admission with a valid Thai national ID card. Children: Children under 120 cm (4 ft) can enter free of charge. Thai massage: Available separately within the temple complex; massage services have their own fees. Dress code: Visitors are asked to dress respectfully. Shorts above the knee are not permitted for women, and traditional or polite clothing is recommended. Payment: Admission is purchased at the temple entrance.
- Address
- 2 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
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