Wat Pho Tours

Wat Pho featuring interior views and religious aspects
The “Temple of the Reclining Buddha” is the largest temple in the country and has more Buddha statues than any other Thai temple.

Wat Po is one of the top attractions in Bangkok for Thai people and tourists alike. The large temple is famous for its giant Reclining Buddha and has more Buddha statues than any other temple in the country. It is also one of the oldest public universities in the country and the official school of traditional Thai massage.

The temple is officially called Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn, which explains why most non-Thai speakers refer to it as “The Temple of the Reclining Buddha.” The Thai abbreviation Wat Pho comes from Wat Phodharam, a lost monastery of the Ayutthaya period. King Rama I of the Chakri dynasty had the temple re-established, which took nearly eight years. King Rama III spent another 16 years restoring and extending it and King Rama IV gave it its present name.

When you enter the hall where the 150-foot (46-meter) long Reclining Buddha rests, drop a coin into one of the bronze bowls for good fortune. The 108 bowls represent the 108 different positive characters of the Buddha. The resting statue itself is covered in gold leaf and represents the Buddha passing into nirvana. Look for the mother-of-pearl inlays on the soles of his giant feet.

While this figure is the biggest attraction, you’ll find more than a thousand Buddha statues in the complex. The medical university on the temple’s grounds is a school for traditional medicine and, more famously, Thai massage. Bring extra baht to experience an invigorating rub. Visit the library, which is decorated with shards of porcelain, and don’t miss the ancient descriptions of massage techniques. Cross the road to visit the working monastery and talk with the monks they love to practice their English.

Wat Pho is next to the Grand Palace and the same dress code applies: cover your arms legs and feet before you step inside. The easiest way to get there is by ferry or taxi. There is an admission fee and guided tours are available. The temple is open daily.

Plan a trip to see Wat Pho

Alt Hotel Nana by UHG
Mason
Hansar Bangkok Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Wat Pho

Reviews of Wat Pho

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
635
" "5 - Excellent 61.71039844509232%
4 - Good
342
" "4 - Good 33.23615160349854%
3 - Okay
45
" "3 - Okay 4.373177842565598%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 0.4859086491739553%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.19436345966958213%

5/5 - Excellent

T.
Apr 18, 2019

Go to the very end of the temple to find the Massage School where you can get the best massage for Bangkok. There are few restaurants nearby with good food and aircon - try The Sixth

4/5 - Good

HamizahH
Apr 10, 2019

Entrance fee is 200THB. If you take a private longtail boat tours thingy, there will be a boat landing fee of 30THB. Just come here using the public ferry. The temple is really beautiful, well preserved. Bring umbrella and fan - its really hot

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 11, 2019

Breathtaking

4/5 - Good

Lori
Nov 27, 2018

Really interesting place, but can be crowded.  Also, make sure you're dressed appropriately for your visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 23, 2018

Beautiful Temple

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 23, 2018

A must see with amazing sights.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Wat Pho

The Mulberry Bangkok Khaosan Road
The Mulberry Bangkok Khaosan Road
3 out of 5
259 Khaosan Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok, Bangkok
The Mulberry Bangkok Khaosan Road
Riva Arun Bangkok
Riva Arun Bangkok
4 out of 5
392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, Bangkok
Riva Arun Bangkok
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
4 out of 5
Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok, Bangkok
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
3 out of 5
95 ,Soi Rambuttri, Chakkra Phong, Road,Phra Nakhon, 1, Bangkok, Bangkok Province
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
Feung Nakorn Balcony Rooms and Cafe
Feung Nakorn Balcony Rooms and Cafe
3 out of 5
29 Soi Fueang Thong, Fueang Nakhon Road, Kwang Watratchabopit, Phranakorn, Bangkok, Bangkok
Feung Nakorn Balcony Rooms and Cafe
Asia Hotel Bangkok
Asia Hotel Bangkok
4 out of 5
296 Phayathai Road, Bangkok, Bangkok
Asia Hotel Bangkok
Theatre Residence
Theatre Residence
4 out of 5
69/8, Soi Wat Rakhang, Arun Amrin Road, Siriraj Bangkok Noi, Bangkok
Theatre Residence
Villa de Pranakorn
Villa de Pranakorn
4 out of 5
543 Mahachai Road, Samranrat Sub District, Bangkok, Bangkok
Villa de Pranakorn
Dang Derm Khaosan
Dang Derm Khaosan
3 out of 5
1 Khaosan Road, Phranakorn, Bangkok
Dang Derm Khaosan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.