Wat Pho Verified listing

Wat Pho, officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Bangkok’s Rattanakosin district, right next to the Grand Palace. Originally established in the 16th century, it was significantly expanded by King Rama I and later developed further by King Rama III in the 19th century. The temple is famous for housing the Reclining Buddha, a massive statue measuring 46 meters long and 15 meters high, symbolizing the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. The statue is covered in gold leaf and features intricate mother-of-pearl inlays on its feet depicting sacred symbols. Wat Pho is also recognized as Thailand’s first public university and is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, with a school of Thai medicine located on the temple grounds.

The temple complex is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with last admission around 6:00 PM. The entrance fee is 200 Thai Baht for foreign visitors, which includes access to the temple grounds and a complimentary bottle of water. Visitors are required to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and must remove their shoes before entering the religious buildings; plastic bags are provided to carry shoes during the visit. Wat Pho is easily accessible by public transport, including the MRT subway and boat services along the Chao Phraya River.

Besides the Reclining Buddha, the temple features numerous smaller Buddha statues, chedis (stupas), and beautifully decorated halls with intricate tile work and gold embellishments. The temple grounds include peaceful gardens and smaller temples, offering serene spots for reflection. Wat Pho is also home to the Thai Traditional Massage School, where visitors can take courses or enjoy a massage on site. The tranquil atmosphere and cultural richness make it an excellent place to explore and immerse yourself in Thai history and spirituality.