Exploring Wat Pho: The Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok
Wat Pho, officially named Wat Phra Chetuphon, is one of Bangkok's largest and oldest temples, and it's a must-see for any visitor to the city. Renowned for housing the gigantic reclining Buddha statue and being the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a place of both spiritual and cultural significance.
The Reclining Buddha the highlight of Wat Pho is undoubtedly the impressive Reclining Buddha. The statue measures 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height, covered in gold leaf. Its feet alone are 5 meters long and exquisitely decorated with mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious symbols. The statue represents Buddha entering Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations.
The Temple Complex
Wat Pho is much more than just the Reclining Buddha. The temple complex covers an area of 80,000 square meters and includes more than 1,000 Buddha images, more than any other temple in Thailand. The grounds are also home to four large chedis (stupas) dedicated to the four Chakri kings. Each chedi stands 42 meters high and is beautifully adorned with colorful tiles.
Traditional Thai Massage
Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The temple operates a massage school where you can enjoy a traditional Thai massage or even take courses to learn this ancient art. The massage pavilions within the temple complex provide a peaceful setting to relax and rejuvenate after exploring the temple.
Cultural Significance
Wat Pho is a significant cultural site in Thailand. It was designated a royal temple of the first grade during the reign of King Rama I. The temple is also a center for traditional Thai medicine and features many inscriptions and illustrations related to anatomy and massage on its walls, recognized by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme.
Visitor Tips
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Dress Code: Modest attire is required. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Sarongs and cover-ups can be rented or purchased at the entrance if needed.
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Opening Hours: The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak crowds and the heat of the day.
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Entry Fee: The entrance fee is 200 Baht, which includes a free bottle of water.
Getting to Wat Pho
Reaching Wat Pho is convenient and straightforward. Here are the most common ways to get there:
By BTS Skytrain and Chao Phraya River Express:
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BTS Skytrain: Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station (S6) on the Silom Line.
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Chao Phraya River Express: From Saphan Taksin, walk to the adjacent Sathorn Pier and board the Chao Phraya River Express boat. Disembark at Tha Tien Pier (Pier No. 8). Wat Pho is just a short walk from the pier.
By Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Bangkok. Simply ask the driver to take you to Wat Pho. Ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. The ride may take longer during peak traffic hours, so plan accordingly.
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​By Public Bus: Several bus routes pass near Wat Pho. Look for bus numbers 1, 3, 25, 44, 47, 53, and 82. This is a cost-effective way to reach your destination, though it might be less comfortable compared to other options.