Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s most famous and important temples, mostly known for the giant Reclining Buddha. While it wasn’t our favorite temple in Bangkok, we were super excited to see the Reclining Buddha, and it did not disappoint!
If you ask us, it’s worth visiting just to see the Reclining Buddha if nothing else!
Fun fact: The full name of Wat Pho is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. Try saying that! 😁
Our experience
Wat Pho temple complex was actually much bigger than we expected. There are multiple colorful stupas, statues, and other smaller temples that were fun to explore. It is quite photogenic too!
Seeing the Reclining Buddha left us speechless as it’s really impressive and so big! It reminded us a bit of a temple we visited in Nha Trang, Vietnam. There’s also a lying Buddha there, although the one in Bangkok is much more impressive.
It’s a very clean and beautifully maintained temple complex. Definitely worth a visit!
Opening hours, tickets & best time to visit
The entrance fee for Wat Pho is 300 THB (around 9 USD) per person – cash only. Entrance is free for children under 120 cm (4 feet).
The entrance ticket includes everything in the temple complex, except massage. Yes, Wat Pho is famous for massages, but that’s an extra paid service. It’s not included in the regular ticket.
Wat Pho is open every day from 8 am until 7:30 pm.
Don’t trust anyone in front of the temple who tells you that the temple is closed for an hour or two. It’s not true! Read more about this in the ‘Scams’ section of this blog.
💡 Good to know: According to reviews online, if you visit Wat Pho after 5 pm, most temples inside the complex (except the Reclining Buddha) will already be closed.
We visited Wat Pho straight after visiting Wat Arun. And we recommend you do the same.
How much time do you need?
Allow yourself at least one hour to explore the whole temple grounds, as Wat Pho is one of the biggest temples in Bangkok.
We spent a bit more than 1.5 hours exploring here. It is a very pretty temple with lots of details and lots of little courtyards to see, so don’t miss out on anything! 😁
And, depending on the time of day you visit, there might be a line to see the Reclining Buddha (the room is not that big), so allow some extra time for that too.
If you decide to get a massage at Wat Pho, then allow yourself even more time – up to 2 hours.
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Best guided tours
If you want to learn more about Wat Pho, there isn’t much information at the site (just some basics). In that case, we suggest taking a guided tour. These are usually combined with other attractions in Bangkok.
👉🏼 Check this small group tour (4.8/5 rating!) that takes you to Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
Getting there
Best way to visit Wat Pho:
- Take the MRT Blue Line to Sanam Chai station. From there, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the temple entrance.
- A bit longer, but more scenic route: BTS to Saphan Taksin station, and then the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Wat Arun and then across to Tha Tien Pier. From the pier, it’s only a few minutes’ walk.
- 👉🏼 Check the full day hop-on & off pass here (you can also find a map of different stations that it includes)
- Alternatively, book a Grab car (Thailand’s version of Uber).
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Things to see & do in Wat Pho
Here are a few things you should definitely not miss in the Wat Pho temple complex:
1. See the Reclining Buddha
The highlight of Wat Pho temple, which you should not miss, is the giant 46-meter gold-leaf statue of the Reclining Buddha.
2. Visit Phra Ubosot (the Ordination Hall)
Phra Ubosot is the most sacred building in the Wat Pho temple complex and is used for performing Buddhist rituals. Here you will find the most important Buddha image, Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn.
3. The Golden Buddha images at Phra Rabiang
This might have been our favorite part of the temple complex (beyond the impressive Reclining Buddha, of course).
The double cloister (Phra Rabieng) surrounds the ordination hall and houses hundreds of Buddha images, brought from northern Thailand’s old cities.
4. Courtyards and stone statues
The courtyards are very colorful and full of stone figures depicting Chinese caricatures, Western characters, and Hindu hermits.
5. Get a Traditional Thai Massage at its birthplace
Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of Thai massage. It’s also where you will find one of the country’s oldest massage schools.
Looking back, it would be a unique thing to do, so we’re sad we didn’t do it. If you decide to, report back how it was!
Working hours for Thai massage at the temple are from 8 am to 6:30 pm. You can choose between 30, 60, or 90 minutes, and there are different types available (Thai massage or foot massage).
Depending on the type or duration of the massage, prices range from 340 to 1360 baht, which is approximately 9 EUR for the cheapest option (30 min Thai or foot massage) and 36 EUR for the most expensive option (120 min of Thai massage with plai oil).
What to wear
You need to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Wat Pho. That means no shorts, sleeveless tops, or see-through clothing.
It’s a very important temple in Bangkok, and they can be pretty strict about it. In case you’re not dressed appropriately, you may be asked to rent or buy a sarong at the entrance.
That’s why we always have an extra sarong (like this one) with us no matter where we go, just in case.
💡 Good to know: Before entering religious buildings, you also need to take off your shoes and leave them on the shelf in front of the building.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho in the same day?
All of these are very close to each other, we’re talking about 5-10 minutes walk. To optimize your time, we suggest starting your day at Wat Arun (at the opening time), then taking a boat across the river and visiting Wat Pho. After that, take a 5-10 minute walk to the Grand Palace.
👉🏼 For more details, read our Bangkok itinerary!
When should I take off shoes?
You need to take off your shoes when you’re entering inside the temples, not the outdoor area. There will always be clear signs to do so, you can’t miss them. And there is a shelf outisde where you can store your shoes when you enter the temple.
Beware of scams!
The main scam you shouldn’t fall for is someone telling you that the temple is temporarily closed for lunch hours or similar. These will usually come from tuk-tuk drivers who will then offer you to take you to some other temples around and bring you to Wat Pho when it opens.
Kindly decline their offer and continue walking to the entrance. They can be persistent, though, especially if you’re not sure whether to continue walking or not. 😁
The same scams happen in front of the Grand Palace too.
Conclusion
That’s about everything you need to know before visiting Wat Pho. Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions or if you just want to share your experience.
We liked our Wat Pho visit and feel like it’s important one to see.
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