Wat Pho Bangkok
Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple, is famed for its giant Reclining Buddha and as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Wat Pho Bangkok
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple, is famed for its giant Reclining Buddha and as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
"A must-visit for its awe-inspiring Reclining Buddha and serene temple grounds, offering a deep dive into Thai culture."
🎯 Respectful Attire is a Must
Cover shoulders and knees! You can buy elephant pants or a sarong at the entrance if needed.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bangkok is hot and humid. Carry water and take breaks in the shade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Reclining Buddha
Main Chapel
An awe-inspiring 46-meter-long golden Buddha statue that dominates the hall. It's truly massive!

Temple Grounds & Architecture
Throughout the complex
Wander through serene courtyards, admire intricate chedis, and discover countless Buddha images. It's a peaceful escape.

Traditional Thai Massage School
Within the temple complex
Experience an authentic Thai massage at the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Book in advance!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code is Key
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Respectful Attire is a Must
Cover shoulders and knees! You can buy elephant pants or a sarong at the entrance if needed.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bangkok is hot and humid. Carry water and take breaks in the shade.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Big Buddha
The entire complex is beautiful. Don't miss the intricate chedis and smaller chapels.
💆♀️ Book a Thai Massage
Wat Pho is the birthplace of Thai massage. Treat yourself to an authentic experience!
Is it possible to tour Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho without a tour guide?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Respectful Attire is a Must
Cover shoulders and knees! You can buy elephant pants or a sarong at the entrance if needed.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bangkok is hot and humid. Carry water and take breaks in the shade.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Big Buddha
The entire complex is beautiful. Don't miss the intricate chedis and smaller chapels.
💆♀️ Book a Thai Massage
Wat Pho is the birthplace of Thai massage. Treat yourself to an authentic experience!
💰 Entrance Fee is Worth It
The fee is reasonable for the experience and upkeep of this historic site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wat Pho is a must-visit in Bangkok, primarily for its awe-inspiring Reclining Buddha and its status as the birthplace of Thai massage. Visitors praise the serene atmosphere and the intricate beauty of the temple grounds. While the dress code can be a minor inconvenience, most find the experience deeply rewarding and spiritually enriching.
"The Reclining Buddha is a lot bigger than I imagined. The front portion is golden, and the bottom of the feet have intricate tiles with mother-of-pearl. There are tons of tourists, but there are sections where you can go further to take a better picture. Mini shrines are throughout the building. There are other buildings on the grounds that contain various other golden Buddhas as well as a section that shows a traditional apothecary. One building has A.C., so my husband and I made a quick stop there to cool off. Worth the visit!"
Athena Poe
"One of Bangkok’s true highlights. Wat Pho is home to the magnificent Reclining Buddha—absolutely massive and genuinely awe-inspiring in person. Beyond the headline attraction, the temple complex is peaceful, beautifully maintained, and rich in history. The intricate architecture and serene courtyards offer a welcome contrast to the bustle of the city just outside. It’s less crowded than the Grand Palace and feels more authentic. Modest dress is required, and there’s a small entrance fee, but it’s well worth it. Give yourself time to wander—it’s more than just a photo stop."
Alex Radford
"So beautiful Buddhist temple complex where you need to spend at least 2h to enjoy everything. It’s not only famous the huge statue of the Reclining Buddha but many other spots. I advise to come early morning since it’s not too hot and less people.
There are fountains with free drinking water, free toilets. You can have a rest in the shadow if you are tired of sun to continue explore the place.
Additionally it’s a place where was born a real Thai massage so you have opportunity to get it there. I advise 1h massage with oil to get deep tissue massage, and don’t forget to ask the blanket since air conditioner is too strong.
You can buy ticket only by cash."
Elena Titkova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the BTS Skytrain from Sukhumvit to Saphan Taksin station, then hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Orange Flag) to Tha Tien pier (N8). Wat Pho is a short walk from the pier. Alternatively, the MRT subway to Sanam Chai station is very close to Wat Pho.
Yes, taxis and Grab (ride-sharing app) are readily available in Bangkok. Just be sure to have the address or show it on your phone, as some drivers might not be familiar with all tourist spots.
Absolutely! Wat Pho is very close to the Grand Palace. Many visitors combine them in a single day. You can walk between them or take a short tuk-tuk ride.
It's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the Grand Palace to Wat Pho. Follow the signs or ask locals for directions. You can also take a short tuk-tuk ride if you prefer.
While there might be limited parking, it's not recommended to drive yourself due to Bangkok's traffic. Public transport like the BTS, MRT, or Chao Phraya Express Boat is far more convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Wat Pho is typically around 200 THB. This fee helps maintain the temple grounds and its historical treasures.
No, you can purchase tickets at the entrance. However, buying tickets on-site is straightforward and there are usually no long queues for entry tickets themselves.
Wat Pho is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Some sources mention extended hours for the massage school. Always check the official website for the most current information.
No, you cannot. A strict dress code is enforced. You must cover your shoulders and knees. If you don't have appropriate clothing, you can rent or buy elephant pants or a sarong at the entrance.
No, the entrance fee covers access to the entire Wat Pho complex, including the magnificent Reclining Buddha.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
To truly appreciate Wat Pho, plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows time to see the Reclining Buddha, explore the grounds, and perhaps even enjoy a traditional Thai massage.
The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is one of the largest and most revered Buddha statues in Thailand. It symbolizes the Buddha's entry into Nirvana. The intricate mother-of-pearl inlay on its feet depicts auspicious symbols.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Reclining Buddha hall, but be respectful and avoid using flash.
While the main pathways are relatively flat, some areas may have stairs or uneven surfaces. It can be challenging for wheelchairs in certain sections.
While you can explore Wat Pho independently, guided tours are available and can offer deeper insights into its history and significance. However, many visitors find it easy to navigate on their own.
🍽️ 💆♀️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a few small eateries and cafes within the Wat Pho complex where you can grab a snack or a light meal. For more extensive dining options, explore the area around Tha Tien pier.
The area around Wat Pho and Tha Tien pier offers a variety of Thai street food and local restaurants. You can find everything from Pad Thai and curries to fresh seafood and fruit shakes.
Absolutely! Wat Pho is renowned as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School is located within the temple grounds. It's highly recommended to book in advance.
Prices can vary, but a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho is generally affordable, often starting around 400-600 THB for an hour. It's a great value for an authentic experience.
Yes, many Thai restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for dishes made with tofu, vegetables, and coconut milk. You can often ask for modifications to suit your dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Reclining Buddha hall itself is a must-capture. Also, the intricate chedis, the temple architecture, and the serene courtyards offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The view of Wat Arun from across the river is also iconic.
No, drone photography is strictly prohibited at Wat Pho and most religious sites in Thailand to ensure the safety and tranquility of the area.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset provides a warm, beautiful glow on the temple structures.
Be mindful of 'No Photography' signs in certain areas, especially inside smaller chapels or near sacred artifacts. Always be respectful and avoid using flash photography where prohibited.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the Reclining Buddha and the temple architecture. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. Don't forget a fully charged battery and plenty of storage!
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