Wat Pho

Wat Pho, officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temple complexes in Bangkok, Thailand. Located directly south of the Grand Palace, it is famous for housing the Reclining Buddha, a massive gold-plated statue measuring 46 meters (150 feet) long and 15 meters high. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Highlights
  • The Reclining Buddha: The statue's feet are 5 meters long and intricately decorated with mother-of-pearl illustrations representing the 108 auspicious characteristics of the Buddha.
  • Birthplace of Thai Massage: The temple is considered the national headquarters for the preservation of traditional Thai medicine and massage. You can still get a professional massage or take classes at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School.
  • Thailand’s First University: King Rama III turned the temple into a center for public education, inscribing knowledge on various subjects like medicine and literature onto stone plaques throughout the grounds.
  • Largest Collection of Buddha Images: The complex contains over 1,000 Buddha statues, more than any other temple in Thailand.
  • Ornate Architecture: The grounds feature 91 small chedis (stupas) and four large ones dedicated to the first four kings of the Chakri Dynasty. [4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]
Visitor Information
  • Opening Hours: Typically 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily.
  • Entrance Fee: 300 THB for foreigners (includes a bottle of drinking water).
  • Dress Code: Visitors must dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees must be covered; tank tops, short skirts, or ripped pants are generally not allowed.
  • Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning (around 8:00 AM) to avoid the heat and the largest crowds from the nearby Grand Palace. [14, 15, 16, 17, 18]

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