Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)

An operational monastery, the Wat Pho complex features several areas worth seeing. Don't miss exquisite pagodas known as the 4 kings temple, peaceful gardens filled with flowering trees and stone statues, and long hallways lined with intricate paintings of stories from Thai folklore.

In addition to housing one of Thailand's most important Buddhist relics, Wat Pho was also the first place to develop traditional Thai Massage. The Medical School of Massage is still located within the grounds and visitors are invited to receive a massage from students while visiting the temple.

Look Around

Head of golden Reclining Buddha

Feet of golden Reclining Buddha

Tourists getting close to the statue

Feet and rear side of statue

Reclining Buddha statue

Chinese statue and monk

Statue close-up

More statues

Statue with chedis in the background

Some of the 91 chedis

Statues and courtyard

Golden Buddha statue

Line of Golden Buddha statues

Golden Buddha statue surrounded by flowers

Golden Buddha statues

Who Will Like Wat Pho

Culture Buff

Witness one of Thailand's most important Buddha relics, the statue of reclining Buddha. Feel the serenity of Thailand's national faith as you wander around the monastery, learning folklore stories from the intricate wall paintings.

Wellness Pursuer

Have a traditional Thai massage at the Medicinal School of Massage, located in the northeastern corner of the complex. You may notice stone statues depicting various massage techniques within the grounds, honoring Wat Pho as the birthplace of the restorative massage.

Bucketlist Bandit

Stand in front of Buddha, close to his feet for a selfie next to this gigantic statue.

Photography Whiz

Have your camera ready for the dozens of photo opportunities awaiting at Wat Pho. Bring a wide-angle lens to squeeze the giant statue of reclining Buddha into the frame, then capture traditional paintings, statues, and architecture as you stroll around the tranquil complex.

Insider Tips For Wat Pho

• Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
• A strict dress code is enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
• A 1-hour massage at the Medicinal School of Massage costs around ฿480 (USD$14.00).
• Placing coins in offering boxes surrounding the reclining Buddha statue is said to bring good luck.
• The ฿100 (USD$2.92) entry fee includes a free bottle of water. Claim this at a station under a portable green tent.
• Many tourists visit Wat Pho and Grand Palace on the same day as they are only a 10-minute walk apart.

Video

How To Get There

Tech & Photography

Food & Drink

Small shop selling snacks and drinks located within the grounds. A cluster of restaurants (mostly Thai) is located along the waterfront, a 2-minute walk west from Wat Pho.

Backstory

A Buddhist temple has stood on the grounds of Wat Pho since before Bangkok was established as Thailand's capital, making it one of the city's oldest temples. The original temple dates back to the late 1600s and was named Wat Photaram after the Bodhi tree under which Buddha is said to have obtained enlightenment. This is why the current temple is commonly called Wat Pho although its official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon, meaning Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Following the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767, King Taksin moved the capital to Thonburi, constructing a palace beside Wat Arun. When his son, King Rama I moved the palace across the river to the current Grand Palace, he ordered significant renovations to the neighboring Wat Pho. The majority of structures currently standing within Wat Pho, including the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha, were constructed between 1832 and1848, during the reign of King Rama III.

Wat Pho is said to be Thailand's first university and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. It served as a medical teaching facility in the 19th century and still has an operational medicinal school specializing in Thai massage.

Etiquette

Scorecard

What's Nearby In Bangkok

More...

757 meters (828 yards)

Religious$$$$$Wat Arun

An elegant Buddhist temple located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun’s appearance is different to other religious sites in Bangkok, having been inspired by the temples of the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya. Visitors who brave the spire’s incredibly steep steps are rewarded with views over the winding river and historic old city.

Go

More...

902 meters (987 yards)

Museum$$$$$Bangkok National Museum

Thailand's first public museum located in a series of buildings that once formed a regal palace complex. Bangkok National Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Thai art and historical artifacts, from ancient fishing tools and stone statues, to sacred depictions of the life of Buddha, to golden chariots once used in royal funeral ceremonies.

Go

More...

1.83 kms (1.14 miles)

DistrictFreeChinatown

Centered around the electric Yaowarat Road, Bangkok’s Chinatown is a hub of street food and discount shopping contrasted against authentic Chinese restaurants and harmonious heritage sites.

Go

More...

2.24 kms (1.40 miles)

Sports$$$$$Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium

Bangkok’s home of Muay Thai fighting matches. Watch professional fighters clash in the ring every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Perhaps more popular than the fight itself is the opportunity for spectators to place bets on blue vs red-clad boxers using a series of coded hand gestures. Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium is one of the largest and most modern stadiums in Bangkok with capacity for 8,000 spectators.

Go

More...

5.12 kms (3.20 miles)

Best Mexican in Bangkok$$$$$Sunrise Tacos Mexican Grill

Authentic Mexican food has arrived in Bangkok. Sunrise Tacos Mexican Grill is set apart by its real corn and flour tortillas used to prepare several flavors of tacos, nachos, burritos, fajitas, and quesadillas. Or perhaps Sunrise’s margarita menu offering strawberry, mango, classic lime, or “virgin” margaritas either frozen or classic.

Go

More...

5.28 kms (3.30 miles)

Gourmet International Buffet$$$$$Amaya Food Gallery

Amari Watergate Hotel’s main buffet restaurant modelled on a classic Asian hawker market with a gourmet twist. International and themed food stations include dietary labels for each dish, making it easy to spot spice levels and protein sources like seafood, chicken, or beef - very handy for veggies and vegans! Themed food stations include Thai, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Western, salads, and desserts.

Go

More...

5.59 kms (3.49 miles)

Local-approved Thai and Isaan Food$$$$$Sara Janes

Eat like a local at authentic Thai restaurant, Sara Janes, located in the business district of Sathon. Every lunch hour, dozens of local office workers rush to Sarah Janes for a plate of their favorite curry or phad Thai. You know if the food gets local approval then the prices do too!

Go

More...

6.07 kms (3.79 miles)

Thai French Fusion$$$$$Café Claire

An elegant French bistro located within the Oriental Residence Bangkok hotel serving a fusion of French and Thai cuisines. Mouthwatering dishes including drool-worthy steaks, vegetables roasted to perfection, and decedent desserts are expertly crafted onto plates like a work of art.

Go