Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is one of the oldest, largest and definitely most significant temples in Bangkok. It is located near The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (an easy ten minute walk), a must-go for any first-time visitor in Bangkok.

Temple of Reclining Buddha Bangkok Wat Pho

The highlight for most people visiting Wat Pho is The Reclining Buddha. The reclining Buddha is very impressive: 15 meters tall, 46 meters long, covered in gold leaf. The Buddha’s feet are 5 meters long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious ‘laksanas’ (characteristics) of the Buddha. 108 is a significant number, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection.

How to get to Wat Pho

Take Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (Chao Phraya Tourist Boat – One Day River Pass) and get off at Tha Tien Pier (N8). From Tha Tien Pier, walk straight to the main road, Maharaj Road and turn right. The temple is on your left.

You must wear polite dress; shorts and short sleeves are not allowed. You will need to take your shoes off to enter, and if you would like a little good luck, you may purchase a bowl of coins at the entrance of the hall which you can drop in the 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls. Dropping the small pennies in makes a nice ringing sound and even if your wishes do not come true, the money goes towards helping the monks renovate and preserve Wat Pho. Wat Pho Entrance Fee is 100 Baht, free a bottle of drinking water. Open daily 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Wat Pho Guide Service

1 person 200 Baht
2 persons 300 Baht
3 persons or more 400 Baht

Wat Pho Map

Wat Pho Massage

From the great restoration during King Rama I and King Rama III, Wat Po came to be the center of Thai Arts and Knowledge where the wisdom of Thai Traditional Medicine and Massage were gathered from the ancestors and is still passed on today, e.g. instruction of herbal drug recipes, diagnosis and treatment for general ailments, baby illnesses and healing methods, massage inscriptions and drawings, Ascetic statues etc. Wat Pho is a great place to get a traditional Thai massage.

As Tha Tien is a center for dried seafood of every type you would be remiss not to try something. Those brave enough should grab some dried shrimps, one of the most important ingredients for Somtam Thai and also Pad Thai.

Khap Phad Sub-Pa-Rod Goong (Thai Fried Rice with Pineapple, Raisin, Egg and Shripm) 100 Baht. We took this at a restaurant near Wat Pho. Not very good, the taste is just acceptable.