Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temple complexes in Thailand and ranks amongst the top attractions. Although it is one of the most visited places in Bangkok, thanks to its vast size, with the exception of a few spots, it is not overcrowded and the whole complex does not feel as touristy as one might expect.

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A visit to Wat Pho (sometimes also written as Wat Po) takes about an hour to an hour and a half.

On maps, you’ll often come across the name Wat Phra Chetuphon, but this is just one of the temples within the Wat Pho complex.

• Admission: 300 thb; children under 120 cm free
• Opening hours: daily 8.00–19.30
• How long: allow around 1 to 1.5 hours for a tour; longer if you have a massage
• Easiest way to get there: take the blue MRT line to Sanam Chai station, exit 1; from there, it’s about a 5-minute walk
• Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered; shoes must be removed when entering the temple buildings

Below you’ll find details about the Reclining Buddha, massages, admission, transport and nearby hotels.

The oldest temple with a hundred pagodas

The Wat Pho complex is the oldest surviving temple in Bangkok and existed even before Bangkok was established as the capital. Wat Pho was probably founded at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, with a major reconstruction taking place in the early 19th century.

Wat Pho covers an area of more than 80,000 square metres; you can admire over 1,000 statues and paintings of the Buddha, 95 pagodas or stupas richly decorated with coloured tiles, 3 large temples and a host of other buildings and pavilions.

The Reclining Buddha

However, the main attraction at Wat Pho is undoubtedlytheenormous46-metre-long and 15-metre-high statueof the Reclining Buddha, situated in the northernmost of the temples. In English, you will mainly come across the names ‘Leaning Buddha’ or ‘Reclining Buddha’.

Although the Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho is impressive, it is not the largest in Thailand, let alone in the world.

The Reclining Buddha fills almost the entire space of the temple, making it quite difficult to capture the whole statue in a single photograph. Although at first glance the statue appears to be made of metal or gold, it is in fact built of brick and modelled in plaster, which was subsequently gilded.

Also striking are the feet, which are over 3 metres high and 4.5 metres long, adorned with black mother-of-pearl.

Massage school

As well as serving spiritual purposes, the temple also functions as a university and a school of traditional medicine and Thai massage. The school was founded here in 1955, and Nuad Thai massage – taught at Wat Pho – has even been included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Massages are available on the Wat Pho premises for tourists between 8.00 and 17.00. A 30-minute session costs 340 thb, whilst an hour costs 520 thb – prices similar to those found elsewhere in Bangkok.

💬 Have you tried a massage at Wat Pho? Let us know in the comments if you’d recommend it.

Admission and opening hours

Wat Pho Temple is open every day at the following times 8:00–18:30.

The admission price is 300 thb and covers the entire complex, including the temple with the reclining Buddha statue. Payment is by cash only.

There is no specific dress code required to enter the complex itself, but when entering individual temples, you must have your shoulders and knees covered. You must also remove your shoes before entering each temple.

If you do not have suitable clothing, women can borrow a dress free of charge.

Official website:watpho.com

When to go? I’d head there as soon as it opens. At that time, you’re more likely to have a quieter visit around the Reclining Buddha and avoid some of the midday heat. If you’ve got a busy schedule, the late afternoon is also an option: Wat Pho doesn’t close until 7.30 pm.

What to combine with a visit to Wat Pho

If you’ve got one day to spend in the historic centre, I recommend this itinerary: first the Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaeo, then a walk to Wat Pho, and finally a ferry ride across the river to Wat Arun.

Wat Phra Kaeo is included in the Palace admission ticket; there is a separate charge for Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

If you’d like to learn about the history of each temple and follow the route with a guide, you can book a guided tour of all three sites. With this option, admission to the attractions is paid for separately.

Accommodation near Wat Pho

The area immediately surrounding the temple isn’t particularly suitable for long-term accommodation, but if you’re only spending a single night in Bangkok and want to explore the historic centre in particular, then you’re welcome to stay here. 

• Cheap guesthouses with en-suite bathrooms (35 usd): Chetuphon Gate, Chaiwat Guesthouse
• Good-quality hotels (95 usd): RIVA Arun Bangkok ****, Aurum the River Place ****
• Luxury hotels with river views (225 usd): ARUN Riverside Bangkok ****

Transport to Wat Pho

The complex is situated in the heart of old Bangkok and is very easily accessible by public transport:

• Metro – Sanam Chai station on the blue line, approx. 350 metres from the entrance
• Boat – Tha Tian pier (approx. 300 metres from the entrance): the orange Chao Phraya Express Boat line, the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat line and the green MINE Smart Ferry route. The ferry crosses to the other side to Wat Arun
• Bus – bus stop approximately 100 metres from the entrance: routes 3 (Khaosan, ICONSIAM shopping centre, Mochit bus station), 43 (Khaosan), 47 (Khaosan, Siam, Si Lom/Sala Daeng), 82 (Wongwian Yan Station)

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