I spent one month and a half in Thailand, which was a dream of mine. One site which stuck with me was Wat Pho. Visiting Wat Pho Bangkok is such a remarkable experience.
Nestled along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok sits Wat Pho, and it is a sight to behold. Not overshadowed by the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew to the north, Wat Pho attracts over one million visitors yearly and for good reason.
Inside you will find the famous reclining Buddha which glistens beautifully golden. Outside you will be impressed with the prangs piercing the sky as well as the fine detail of the architecture.
In this post, I will do my best to explain how to prepare for a trip to Wat Pho and what to expect once you get there.
When I visited this historic site it left me intrigued by Thai history and architecture and I am now planning a trip back as we speak.
Now, let’s jump right in!
Is Wat Pho worth a visit?
Wat Pho is certainly worth visiting. One reason you want to get yourself to Wat Pho is because it is listed as number one of six temples in the entire country which are classed as the highest royal grade. If that sounds impressive it’s because it is!
The site was continually renovated over the centuries by its leaders, King Rama i, ii and iii. If you enjoy learning about Thai history, culture and architecture then a visit to Wat Pho is the perfect day way to explore some of Bangkok.
The oldest and largest temple in Bangkok
Wat Pho is also the capital’s oldest temple and it is even thought that King Rama’s ashes are kept inside Phra Chedi Rai.
Rama iii decided that he needed 71 of these smaller chedis which topped out at 5 metres in height. To me, they symbolise Wat Pho and it is the first image I think of when I hear the temple mentioned. They are truly magical to explore these chedis at Phra Chedi Rai.
Wat Pho is short for Wat Photaram and the name stems from the monastery of the Bodhi tree, all the way over the Bay of Bengal in India, where Buddha is said to found enlightenment. What a beautiful fitting.
It was the city’s first public university and it was under Rama iii that the complex started to develop. Students here would have been educated in religion, science, and literature and so the history of Wat Pho is deeply tied to Bangkok’s development.
Tips for Visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok
Depending on where you are staying in Bangkok Wat Pho is generally easy to visit by tuk-tuk. Located beside the Grand Palace at 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, the site is even walkable from many parts of the city. We soaked up the atmosphere in the streets as we walked from our hotel.
If you are staying on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River then a nice way to get across is by the hop-on-hop-off ferry. It’s cheap and easy to use and provides amazing panoramic views of Bangkok when the sun is setting.
You can use the MRT Blue to take you to Sanam Chai which is only about 300 metres from Wat Pho’s entrance so this makes life easier if you are coming from further afield in the city.
Things to see in Wat Pho
When I walked through the complex what caught my eye was the sparkle and colours of the prangs, chedis and temples, prickling up into the air – green, orange and yellow they stand out even more vibrantly in the bright Bangkok sunshine.
Beautiful flowers also colour and complement the complex so you will be in for a visually stimulating treat when you enter inside.
If you look closely at the design you will appreciate how skilled the creators were.
The site is roughly 80,000 square metres making it one of Bangkok’s biggest temple complexes. Wat Pho is the original home of Thai traditional massage and you can still pay for one when you arrive – I think that is wonderful. The complex also has a school of traditional Thai medicine.
Would you be surprised if I told you there are 91 stupas inside?
Notice the four great chedi watching over the grounds with an impressive aura of strength.
As well as a couple of belfires and number of halls and a central shrine.
The reclining Buddha is normally what people remember after visiting Wat Pho. On my visit, I was marvelling at its truly impressive size all 46 metres of it.
Even more impressive I found surrounding the Buddha were 108 bronze bowls where you can offer a coin and in return, you will gain good luck and help the monks continue their work. A nice way to mix spirituality with practicality.
Don’t miss out on the gong at Wat Pho for a nice experience. You are free to hit this and it is located just outside the reclining Buddha. Hearing it ring out is a cool way to mark your arrival in the complex and it is particularly interesting for any kids who come along on the day.
It’s nice to know you can make their day and release some stress at the same time by making the gong of Wat Pho!
Wat Phra Chetuphon, located in the very centre of the Wat Pho complex is a place you don’t want to miss. Here you can walk the courtyard and admire some of the 394 gilded Buddha images lining the walls. It will be somewhere close to here that you will consider Buddhism as a possible spiritual guidance for life, mark my words.
You will see locals as well as tourists sitting in front of the Buddha statues and meditating which is a powerful experience. You can feel the essence of Buddhism in this very moment and it was soothing, even for me.
Phra Ubosot of Wat Pho is another part of the complex where you can admire the ancient structures of Bangkok. This is also called the ordination hall and it is here where monks would ritualise.
I suggest keeping an eye out for the 150 stone images of Ramakien which are impressively found here in the outer walls. Though it is a large area it is not the most impressive part of the Wat Pho Complex in my opinion – but still very impressive.
The Giants of Wat Pho are hard to miss standing tall outside the scripture hall, they are decorated with colour but can be more intimidating. They are placed here to guard the scripture hall which houses some Buddhist text.
How much is the entrance fee in Wat Pho?
The entrance fee for Wat Pho is 200 Baht per person. The temple complex is open from 08:00 AM – 06:30 PM. You can buy tickets at the door or you can buy them here online with another tour package.
What do you wear to Wat Pho, Bangkok?
The Wat Pho dress code is consistent with all the other temples in Thailand. You CAN wear long pants and trousers, shirts, long skirts, and sandals. You CANNOT wear short pants, short dresses, leggings or tank tops. If you arrive not dressed appropriately you will not be allowed to enter. This will be terrible for someone who only have one day in the city.
The most important thing to remember is not to expose skin – the shoulders and knees to be respectful. Once you enter the complex you walk around but entering any temple you must remove your footwear and sit or walk inside with socks on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Pho real gold?
If you are wondering if the Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho is made of real gold then what I can tell you is it is made with gold leaf.
The structure is stunning and you will likely need to wait to get into the best position for a photograph as we did. But you will forever have a wonderful memory from your visit to Wat Pho.
The reclining Buddha is the real lure for tourists here, along with the captivating pagodas.
What are other noteworthy temples to visit in Bangkok?
Some other notable temples to consider visiting include:
Wat Suthat
If you have heard about the gigantic Red Swing in Bangkok then Wat Suthat is right beside this attraction. This temple was previously used in Brahim ceremonies. It stands 27 metres in height and bursts red making it one of the most iconic structures in the city.
Inside Wat Suthat you will walk the perimeter walls finding an endless row of Buddhas lining the walls – a common feature in Thailand’s epic temples. This was the first time I visited Bangkok and it did not disappoint.
I was able to sit with local people and soak in the ambience and special moment in time in pure silence. This was a beautiful experience.
The entrance fee for Wat Arun is 100 baht for foreigners.
Wat Arun
On the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River to Wat Pho, you will find the Temple of Dawn otherwise known as Wat Arun.
This temple is my favourite temple in all of Bangkok for the following reasons.
At sunset, the light reflects off the temple and the sky illuminates creating an unusual but enchanting tone in the sky. You may think your eyes are playing tricks on you but it’s a real magical experience.
Mount Meru will consistently be mentioned when you speak with locals about Buddhist temples and Wat Arun is no different.
The main prang represents Mount Meru – the centre of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. If you want to be impressed you can check closely the porcelain tiles and sea shells which make up this beautifully decorated landmark.
This tip of the prang reaches an incredible 79 metres in height, though you cannot go up too far the views are still decent. Climb the steps to look back across the river to Wat Pho or Pak Khlong Talat or down on the ordination hall within Wat Arun complex.
The entrance fee for Wat Arun is 100 baht for foreigners.
Saket Temple
Though I didn’t get to visit Saket Temple it is another well-known popular wat in Bangkok. Located in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district it is about 2km from Wat Pho and it is another example of beautiful Buddhist architecture. Its golden colour is the standout feature as well as the fact it reaches a height of 80 metres.
You can take the stairs to get to the top and you should go for sunset to appreciate the 360 views of the city when the sky turns pink.
Saket Temple is the first temple on my list when I revisit Bangkok!
What else should I do in Bangkok aside from visiting temples?
Bangkok is full of amazing things to do apart from temples. The cuisine and nightlife are two other notable mentions from my experience in the city. It’s impossible to get bored in Bangkok!
Food
When you’re in Bangkok you have to dive head first into the cuisine.
The food scene in Bangkok is fascinating, tasty and diverse. You will discover authentic meals and recipes which you can take home with you which is a nice way to relive your Bangkok experience.
You can even practice in a traditional Thai cooking class so you can be sure to impress your friends and family once you make the journey home!
Of course, we cannot mention Thai food in Bangkok without speaking of street food. The beauty of this is on almost every corner of the street you will find a vendor or a little restaurant offering delicious Thai food for a good deal.
My personal favourites were the pad Thai and green curry. While I only tried mango sticky rice in Chiang Mai it would be the next dish I would recommend. I would say it’s better to try street food than look for a fancier restaurant just for the raw experience.
We got some amazing pad Thai at รสชาติกะเพรา. This was a small family-run business but was probably the best food we had in Bangkok!
Party
Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. If you have had your fair share of peaceful temples and want to change the tone for a while then Bangkok’s nightlife is something to explore.
Once the sun goes down you can find a lot of fun parties in the city. Khaosan Road is one of the major hubs for nightlife and walking through it is an experience you won’t forget.
Expect loud music, drinking in the streets, lights and dancers all packed into this 400-meter street. You can be offered scorpions, crickets and other unusual snacks to try as you spend time in the part of Bangkok.
Bring your dancing shoes and once you find a bar you like, kick back and get moving to enjoy a night of party fun.
Why is Wat Pho famous in Bangkok?
Wat Pho temple is famous for its colourful pagodas, reclining Buddha, Thai massage, and 394 gilded Buddhas. If there is one temple you can visit in Bangkok, I would argue to make it Wat Pho. It is cheap to enter and has beautiful architecture and design that will leave you inspired.
You can meditate in the temples with locals and have a wonderful Buddhist experience. Bangkok is a truly magnificent city in southeast Asia with many historic temples Wat Pho’s fame and popularity are only understood once you visit.
Can I wear slippers in Wat Pho?
You can wear slippers when moving around inside the complex. I would suggest wearing footwear which can be easily removed as you cannot enter any temple in Thailand with footwear on.
You must wear socks to the temple. This can happen numerous times throughout the day so it will save you the hassle of tying laces every time you are out exploring.
Can you walk from the Grand Palace to Wat Pho?
You can walk from the Grand Palace to Wat Pho in only a few minutes as they are situated opposite each other. Many people visit both attractions on the same day and are two of the most popular places people visit in all of Bangkok.
It took me about fifteen minutes to walk from entrance to entrance. It is important to ensure you have the dress code correct before you enter the Grand Palace and Wat Pho as you will be refused entry should you not follow the rules.
You can buy or rent clothing which is acceptable outside the Grand Palace and these vendors will be the first to tell you if your outfit is acceptable.
Thanks for reading,
James
Author’s Bio: James Fahey is an Irish travel writer, photographer and video editor who as of 2024 has visited 25 countries. The blog started in late 2021 but took off in 2023 when James and his girlfriend Guada set out to visit Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Turkey. James Spent time living in Washington D.C, Nairobi working and volunteering where the travel bug kicked in. James has a goal – to make travel easier for people who want to visit the same places he has been.
