Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, is such an iconic landmark of Bangkok that it is on everyoneโs list of places to visit, even on a short trip. Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it is the sanctuary of one of the worldโs largest Buddha statues and more than a thousand images. It is also one of Bangkokโs oldest and largest temples and has received a UNESCO Memory of the World award. Wat Pho is just next to the Grand Palace of Bangkok, so combining both visits with a half-day exploration of Ratanakosin (Bangkokโs old city) is convenient.
Wat Pho is where traditional Thai massage originated. Still, today you can experience it at the massage school on the temple grounds, but there might be a queue, so you better check early.
The reclining Buddha is always the most attractive feature of Wat Pho, but make sure you walk around and admire the 91 Chedis, beautifully decorated with ceramics. 71 contain the ashes of the royal family, and 20 large ones contain the ashes of Buddha. Four very large chedis are dedicated to four kings. Each of the sixteen gates in the walls surrounding the temple is guarded by two stone giants brought from China.
The reclining Buddha statue itself is 15 meters high and 43 meters long. Once you finish taking your photos (everyone does), you might notice a permanent trickling metal noise. This is a fun traditional way to donate. For 20 Baht, you receive a tin cup full of โSatangsโ, a quarter of a Baht. Drop one coin in one of each bowl representing the 108 auspicious Buddha characters to bring you good fortune. Ideally, if the last coin goes right in the last bowl, then you are on for extra good luck ๐
Wat Pho is a very special place. I went there several times and forgot how beautiful the temple and its grounds were. Just wander around the temple grounds at your own pace and take the time to admire the fantastic ceramics ornamenting the Chedis, especially the four huge ones. Walk in the shade of the outer cloister where 400 golden Buddha statues stand.
Wat Pho Massage
Traditional Thai massage costs 260 Baht for half an hour and 420 Baht for an hour, massage with Herbs is 520 Baht, and foot massage costs 420 Baht for an hour.
More photos of Wat Pho
Wat Pho Info
Location: Rattanakosin โ Bangkok Old Town Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 Open: 8 am โ 6.30 pm Phone: 02 226 0335 Price: 100 Baht Completed: 1788 Official name: Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan
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Willy Thuan is the founder of Phuket 101. After travelling through 40+ countries and working with Club Med and Expedia, he settled in Phuket in 1994. He shares real travel insights and original photography from across Thailand.View Author posts
